CHAPTER VII.

HEROINES OF THE CIVIL WAR.

Nature of the struggle--Position of Queen Henrietta Maria-- Activity of women on both sides--Mrs. Hutchinson at Nottingham--Defence of Lathom House by the Countess of Derby--Lady Arundel at Wardour Castle--Lady Bankes besieged in Corfe Castle--Lady Lettice Digby defends Greashill Castle--Lady Fanshawe’s visits to her husband in prison-- Experiences of a gentlewoman in the West of England--Lady Musgrave and the Parliament--Lady Halkett assists the Duke of York to escape--Lady Rochester and the elections--The Jacobite rising--Flora McDonald 205