Henrietta Hyde, Countess of Rochester
Henrietta Hyde, Countess of Rochester, was born in 1646. She was the daughter of Edward Hyde, the Earl of Clarendon, who was a prominent politician during the reign of Charles II. In 1667, Henrietta married Laurence Hyde, who was the younger brother of the Duke of York. They had nine children together, one of whom was Anne Hyde, the first wife of James, Duke of York.
Henrietta was known for her beauty, wit, and intelligence, and she was a prominent figure in the court of Charles II. She was also an influential and active supporter of the Anglican Church.
In 1680, Henrietta's husband was created the Earl of Rochester, and she became the Countess of Rochester. However, the Earl was known for his excessive behavior and his mistresses, and their marriage was not happy. Henrietta was rumored to have had affairs of her own, but there is no concrete evidence to support these claims.
Henrietta died in 1677, at the age of 31. She was mourned by many, including her husband, who wrote a touching tribute to her. Henrietta is remembered for her beauty, intelligence, and her contribution to the court of Charles II.