Her father had been imprisoned as a Catholic but he had converted to the Church of England and became a member of parliament.

His cousin was Heneage Finch, the Solicitor General, but he still spent a long time away despite Isabella's efforts.

[4] She died in 1657 at their small house in Westminster, but her body was transported back to East Peckham for burial.

A memorial erected by her son in 1689 was placed in St Michael's Church in East Peckham to her and her husband.

The diary gives a short account of the family occasions in her life and the news of recent executions.