Frances Carr, Countess of Somerset

Frances Carr, Countess of Somerset , born Frances Howard, was an English noblewoman who was the central figure in a famous scandal and murder during the reign of King James I. She was found guilty but spared execution, and was eventually pardoned by the King and released from the Tower of London in early 1622.

She was born Frances Howard, the daughter of Lord Thomas Howard , and his wife, the former Catherine Knyvet. Frances father was the second son of Thomas Howard, 4th Duke of Norfolk, a wealthy and powerful nobleman during the late 16th and early 17th centuries, and Margaret Audley, Duchess of Norfolk. Frances maternal grandparents were Sir Henry Knyvet, of Charlton, Wiltshire, and Elizabeth Stumpe. She was the tentimesgreat grandmother of the actress Celia Imrie.

Source: Wikipedia