Margaret Godolphin (b. Blagge)

Margaret Blagge was probably born in London on 2 August 1652 to Colonel Thomas Blagge and his wife. Her father who was a Royalist died in 1660.  In about 1666 she took on the role of Maid of Honour to Anne Hyde who was the Duchess of York. When the duchess died in 1671 she was employed in the same role by the Queen.  She chose John Evelyn as a mentor and “spiritual father” in 1672. Margaret was twenty and Evelyn was 52 and he advised her on religious learning and worship. Evelyn would write a book about her life.  She married Sidney Godolphin, 1st Earl of Godolphin on 16 May 1676 when she was a maid of court and he was one of the most important politicians in England.  Godolphin gave birth to Francis Godolphin, 2nd Earl of Godolphin on the 3 September 1678 and due to complications she died in Whitehall on 9 September.

• See “The life of Margaret Godolphin” by John Evelyn.

Father:   Colonel Thomas Blagge
Mother:  Mary North
Spouse(s):Sidney Godolphin, 1st Earl of Godolphin

• Introduction – Part V
• Introduction – Part IV

• Wikipedia article on Margaret_Godolphin

• Wikipedia for background, portrait.