Mary Cheke
Mary Cheke, Lady Cheke | |
|---|---|
| Born | Mary Hill c. 1532 Hampshire, England |
| Died | 30 November 1616 |
| Occupation | |
| Nationality | British |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 3 with Cheeke; 8 with Mackwilliam |
| Relatives | Sir John Mason (step-father) |
Mary, Lady Cheke (née Hill; c. 1532 – 30 November 1616) was an English courtier, poet, and epigrammatist from Hampshire. She served as lady of the privy chamber to Elizabeth I and participated in literary exchanges at court, including a notable epigrammatic reply to Sir John Harrington. Cheke was married first to Sir John Cheke, a classical scholar and statesman, and later to Henry Macwilliam, while retaining the title of Lady Cheke. Her writings and courtly presence reflect both her literary activity and her life within the political and cultural circles of Tudor England.