Frideswide Strelley was a daughter of John or Leonard Knight, of South Duffield in the parish of Hemingbrough, and his wife Isabella Langholme.
As "Mrs Sturley", Frideswide Strelley rode in procession at the coronation of Mary I of England on 30 September 1553, dressed in silver and gold, her horse mantled with crimson velvet.
[6][7][8] The Imperial diplomats Simon Renard and the Count d'Egmont thought she, Susan Clarencieux and Jane Russell were Mary's most intimate confidantes, and as supporters of the Spanish marriage plan ought to be sent gifts of jewellery.
[11] It was said that during Mary's reign the Privy Council called her "mother", apparently on account of her gravity of character.
[13] Strelley is noted for a story that she did not believe the queen was pregnant, unlike other courtiers including Susan Clarencieux who were discreet about their doubts.