Elizabeth's maternal grandparents were William Cecil, 2nd Earl of Salisbury and Lady Catherine Howard.

The marriage produced one surviving son, a daughter and another issue with not much of a historical record: In 1672, Elizabeth's husband was made a Privy Counsellor, and appointed Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.

[2] In point of fact, it was due to the Earl of Essex that Phoenix Park continues to exist in the 21st century.

It was there on 13 July 1683 that he committed suicide by cutting his own throat, leaving Elizabeth a widow at the age of forty-six.

Elizabeth Percy was the subject of a portrait by the celebrated court painter, Sir Peter Lely.