Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Cornwallis, Jane

by Thompson Cooper

CORNWALLIS, JANE, Lady Cornwallis (1581–1659), was the daughter of Hercules Meautys of West Ham, Essex, by Philippe, daughter of Richard Cooke of Gidea Hall, in the same county. She became, in 1608, the second wife of Sir William, elder son of Sir Thomas Cornwallis [q. v.] of Brome, Suffolk. Her husband died in 1611, leaving issue by her an only son, Frederick, who was created Lord Cornwallis. In 1613 she married Sir Nathaniel Bacon, K.B., of Culford, Suffolk, where she died on 8 May 1659.

Her 'Private Correspondence' between 1613 and 1644 was published at London in 1842, 8vo.

There is a full-length portrait of her at Audley End.

[Pref. to Cornwallis Correspondence; Addit. MS. 19079, f. 92 b, 95, 96 b.]

T. C.