Catherine Cecil, Countess of Salisbury

She was a daughter of Thomas Howard, 1st Earl of Suffolk of Audley End House, and his second wife, the former Catherine Knyvett.

She married the future Earl of Salisbury on 1 December 1608, and became countess when he inherited the earldom on his father's death in 1612.

Their children, several of whom died in infancy, were:[1] In 1615, the countess was present at Trinity College, Cambridge, for the performance of Aemilia by students, in the presence of King James I of England.

[3] After Salisbury's retirement from public life, they made their home at Hatfield House.

[4] The countess's portrait was painted by Sir Peter Lely (some time after his arrival in England in 1641), and is held at Burghley House.