Who were the Nuns?

A Prosopographical study of the English Convents in exile 1600-1800

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Cecily Arundel, in religion Cecily Clare.
Died: 13 Jun 1717 in Rouen, aged 81.

father: Henry Arundell 3rd lord of Wardour, Wilts
mother: Cecily Compton of Brambletye, Sussex

Poor Clares, Rouen choir nun.
She was clothed 15 May 1662.

She professed 20 May 1663, aged 26.

Portress
Novice Mistress

creator: Poem on the sighs of decaying years, in 82 verses: see Foley p839
creator: Poem upon the Passion of our Lord: see Foley p839
subject: Portraits

She was the cousin of Frances Cornwallis, Mary Tichborne, Blanche Cornwallis, Elizabeth Cornwallis, Cecily Cornwallis.

Sources: Rouen Poor Clares Profession Book; Rouen Chronicle I: 63, 66, 73, 149, 152, 154, 157, 158, 316; Rouen Chronicle II: 2, 66-74.

Family tree (Arundel of Lanherne, Wardour)

Notes:

Mother's name supplied from Estable's Arundel lineage.

Portrait formerly at Wardour Castle in lay dress: portrait with Poor Clares

Had been brought up in the convent from the age of 11 or 12, entering on 1645 20 Sep, her father paying a £20 a year pension in support. After four or five years, she was moved to another convent before going to England, eventually returning to become a nun after an unsuitable admirer started to court her. He even turned up at the convent in 1662 claiming she was his wife.

Frequently visited by her nephew Henry, fifth Lord Arundell of Wardour (Chr Vol II 8). Chronicle records that she had a very particular talent in poetry: see Chr Vol II 72.