Martha Giffard (c. 1623 – 23 November 1673) was an English letter‑writer and the sister of the diplomat Sir William Giffard. She is chiefly remembered for her extensive correspondence, which provides valuable insight into the political and social networks of mid‑17th‑century England and Europe.
Early life and family
Martha was born into the Giffard family of Devon, England, as the daughter of Sir John Giffard (c. 1580–1656), a member of the gentry, and his wife, Anne (née House). Her brother, Sir William Giffard, served as a diplomat and ambassador, most notably to the Netherlands, where he cultivated close relationships with leading figures of the Dutch Republic.
Marriage
In 1650, Martha married Sir Edward Giffard, a fellow member of the gentry, who held the estate of St. John’s in Devon. The marriage linked two prominent provincial families and further integrated Martha into the social circles of the English elite.
Correspondence and literary activity
Martha Giffard maintained a prolific correspondence with her brother William, as well as with other political and cultural figures of the period, including the poet George Herbert and the diplomat Sir William Temple. Her letters discuss diplomatic negotiations, court intrigues, and domestic affairs, revealing both personal concerns and broader geopolitical developments. Although not a published author, her letters were later collected and cited by historians as primary sources for the era.
Later life and death
After the Restoration of Charles II in 1660, Martha continued to correspond with influential court officials, supporting her brother’s diplomatic missions. She died on 23 November 1673 at her family home in Devon and was interred in the local parish church, where a modest monument commemorates her.
Legacy
Martha Giffard’s surviving letters are held in several archival collections, including the British Library and the Devon Record Office. Scholars regard her correspondence as an important documentary record of the Restoration period, especially regarding the role of women in the exchange of political information. Her writings have been referenced in studies of early modern communication networks, gendered perspectives on diplomacy, and the social history of the English gentry.
