Anna Talbot, Countess of Shrewsbury
Anna Talbot, Countess of Shrewsbury, was born on October 18, 1524, in Hertfordshire, England. She was the daughter of George Talbot, 4th Earl of Shrewsbury, and his first wife, Anne Hastings. In 1538, Anna was betrothed to Henry Herbert, Earl of Pembroke, but the marriage was never consummated. Instead, in 1540, Anna married Francis Grey, the son of Henry Grey, 1st Duke of Suffolk. The couple had three children together: Jane, Katherine, and Mary. When Francis Grey died in 1554, Anna's father arranged for her to marry his ward, George Talbot, 6th Earl of Shrewsbury. They had two children together: Gilbert and Grace. Anna is best known for her role as the custodian of Mary, Queen of Scots, who was imprisoned in Shrewsbury's care after her forced abdication from the Scottish throne. Anna and her husband were responsible for Mary's custody for almost 15 years. Anna died on April 19, 1592, and was buried beside her second husband in the Talbot Chapel at St. Peter's Church in Sheffield.
