Pembroke, Anne

Countess of, a noted English lady philanthropist. was the daughter and sole heir of George Clifford, earl of Cumberland. She was born at Skipton Castle, in Craven, in 1589. To endowments naturally of a high order she added all those accomplishments which her high rank and extensive wealth brought within her reach. According to bishop Rainbow, "she could discourse with virtuosos, travelers, scholars, merchants, divines, statesmen, and good housewives in any kind." But she preferred "the study of those noble Berceans, and those honorable women who searched the Scriptures daily; with Mary, she chose the better part of hearing the doctrine of Christ." She was twice married: her first husband was Richard, earl of Dorset; her second, Philip, earl of Pembroke and Montgomery. She survived the latter forty-five years, during which time she employed herself in a constant series of good works, extensive charities, and generosity to learned men; also in erecting sacred edifices, a noble hospital, and many other stately buildings, both for the honor of her family and for the public good. While she was exemplary in her own religious observances, she was careful also that none of her servants should be remiss or negligent in that respect. In her intercourse with others she was condescending, and ever strove to obliterate from their minds any consciousness of inferiority. She died in 1674.