Background
Elizabeth was born in 1536, the daughter of Sir James Leyburn of Cunswick, Westmorland and Helen Preston.
Duchess of Norfolk Duke of Norfolk
Elizabeth was born in 1536, the daughter of Sir James Leyburn of Cunswick, Westmorland and Helen Preston.
The latter was the child of Thomas Preston and Anne Thornburgh. She had one sister, Anne, who married William Stanley, 3rd Baron Monteagle, by whom she had a daughter, Elizabeth. the Duchesse.. desir"d to have been reconciled by a Priest, who for that end was conducted into the garden, yet could not have access unto her, either by reason of the Duke"s vigilance to hinder it, or at least of his continual presence in the chamber at that time.
In 1571, Anne married Philip Howard (1557–1595), later 20th Earl of Arundel.
Before 9 May 1577, Mary had married Thomas Howard (1561–1626), later 1st Earl of Suffolk. And on 28 October 1577 Elizabeth married Lord William Howard (1563–1640),of Naworth Castle, Cumberland, and of Henderskelfe Castle, Yorkshire, the Duke"s third son.
The third daughter Elizabeth, gained the nickname "Bess of the Broad Apron", thanks to the size of the estates which came to her. Foreign her Beauty, Person, Wit, and Discretion, she was qualify"d to wear a Crown.".
Several members of the Leyburne (also written as Leybourne and Leyburn) family were recusants, and James Leyburn, Elizabeth"s great-nephew, was executed as "a catholic traitor" in 1583.