Tudor Week 2023, Day 7: Favourite Tudor Mentor/Mentee Relationship.
Margaret Pole (1473-1541) and Mary I (1516-1558). Margaret and Mary were first cousins, twice removed, although Margaret is better known as Mary’s governess during her time as de facto Princess of Wales.
[Margaret] would never have done, or approved of, any act that would have been prejudicial to the interests of Princess Mary or her mother. - Margaret Pole, Countess of Salisbury 1473 - 1541; Hazel Pierce.
Although Margaret's appointment as Mary's governess promised to be a successful arrangement, her association with the princess was not constant. Although she was to play an important and significant role in Mary's life, this did not really begin until much later, as her first appointment of governess was of limited duration. In post by May 1520, she lost the office again by 24 July 1521 and did not regain her position until 1525, but this second appointment would last for eight years until she was dismissed again in 1533. - Margaret Pole, Countess of Salisbury 1473-1541; Hazel Pierce.
Having been treated with deference herself as a young princess of the House of York, she was able to identify with Mary and help her cope with her position. - Margaret Pole, Countess of Salisbury 1473 - 1541; Hazel Pierce.
On returning from her chamber [Mary] said to the Duke [of Norfolk] that since the King her father was so pleased, she would not disobey him, begging him to intercede with the King for the recompense of her servants, that they might have at least a year's wages. She then asked what company she should bring. The Duke said it was not necessary to bring much, for she would find plenty where she was going; and so she parted with a very small suite. Her [governess], daughter of the late duke of Clarence, and near kinswoman to the King, a lady of virtue and honor, if there be one in England, has offered to follow and serve her at her own expense, with an honorable train. But it was out of the question that this would be accepted. - Eustace Chapuys to Charles V; 16 Dec 1533.
I did not wish to dispute with him on the subject [of Mary being cared for by her mother], but asked that he would at least put the Princess under the care of her old [governess], the countess of Salisbury, whom she regarded as her second mother. - Eustace Chapuys to Charles V; 25 Feb 1534.
[At her execution, Margaret] spoke, commending her soul to God and asking those present to pray for the king, queen, Prince Edward and Princess Mary. Her devotion to Mary had not diminished during their years of separation and the sufferings Margaret had undergone partly on her behalf. Of all the royal family, it was to Mary that she wished to be especially commended, sending her blessing and begging for hers in return. - Margaret Pole, Countess of Salisbury 1473 - 1541; Hazel Pierce.