Charles Rich, 4th Earl of Warwick

Her father who was genuinely fond of her despite their differences eventually gave his consent, as well as a generous dowry, but the couple do not seem to have been happy.

There may have been faults on both sides, since Mary was exceptionally stubborn and strong-minded (as shown by her defiance of her formidable father), and in later years became almost fanatically devout, but it was generally agreed that the greater blame lay with Rich, whose chronic ill-health made him bad-tempered and tyrannical.

His only son had predeceased him and had no children by his wife Anne Cavendish, so the title passed to his cousin, Robert Rich, 2nd Earl of Holland.

Despite their quarrels, he left all his property to his widow for her life, an unusual step at the time.

Key Boxes with heavy borders follow the progress of Rich titles.