Background
A daughter of Sir Thomas Bryan and Margaret Bourchier, Elizabeth became the wife of Henry VIII"s close friend Sir Nicholas Carew, an influential statesman who was eventually executed for his alleged involvement in the Exeter Conspiracy.
A daughter of Sir Thomas Bryan and Margaret Bourchier, Elizabeth became the wife of Henry VIII"s close friend Sir Nicholas Carew, an influential statesman who was eventually executed for his alleged involvement in the Exeter Conspiracy.
Her only brother was Sir Francis Bryan, called "the Vicar of Hell" for his lack of principles. The king made huge presents to her over the years, including royal jewels. In those years, the king showered Elizabeth Bryan with "beautiful diamonds and pearls and innumerable jewels."
Her children with Nicholas Carew were:
Anne Carew (about 1520 – 1581)
Married the diplomat Nicholas Throckmorton.
Their daughter Elizabeth married Sir Walter Raleigh.
Sir Francis Carew of Beddington (1530 – 1611)
Was restored to Nicholas" estates, though he preferred to stay out of politics. Unmarried. Mary Carew (born about 1520)
Married Sir Arthur Darcy.
Elizabeth Carew
Isabel Carew (born about 1530)
Married Nicholas Saunders.