Henrietta Maria, Queen of England (1609-1669)
MSA SC 3520-14042
Biography:
Founding of Maryland - Educational Project for Elementary
and Middle School Students
Maryland Public Television and Maryland State Archives (January-February
2003)
written by Maria A. Day, MSA Archival Intern
Maryland got its name from Henrietta Maria. She was the daughter of King Henry IV of France and Marie de Médici of Italy. In 1625, Henrietta Maria married King Charles I and became Queen of England. King Charles I's choice to make Henrietta Maria his wife was controversial because, she and her family were Roman Catholics rather than members of the Church of England. Queen Henrietta Maria was unpopular with many English people and members of Parliament because she assisted English Catholics like the Calverts. The Calverts chose to name their new province in North American, Mary-land, (“Terra Mariae”) in the queen's honor. Henrietta Maria's life was difficult due to the English Civil Wars that occurred during her husband's reign. She had to flee England while her husband was on trial for treason against his nation. She went to the Netherlands to raise money and soldiers to support King Charles I. In 1649, King Charles I was executed by Parliament. Henrietta Maria went home to France and entered a convent. She returned briefly to England in 1660, to see her eldest son crowned King Charles II. Another son, King James II ruled from 1685 to 1688. Henrietta Maria died in Paris at the age of 51 in 1669.
|
Tell Us What You Think About the Maryland State Archives Website!
|