Mary Herbert, Countess of Pembroke (died 1649)

Mary Herbert, Countess of Pembroke (died 1649) was an English noblewoman, writer, patron of the arts, and member of the Sidney family. She was the wife of Henry Herbert, 2nd Earl of Pembroke, and is best known for her literary works and her significant influence on the literary and intellectual landscape of the late 16th and early 17th centuries.

Born Mary Talbot, she married Henry Herbert in 1577. Her marriage brought her into a powerful and influential family, providing her with the social standing and resources to support her literary endeavors.

Lady Pembroke, as she was commonly known, was a prolific writer in her own right. She is particularly celebrated for her translation of Philippe de Mornay's Discours de la vie et de la mort (published as A Discourse of Life and Death) and for her completion of her brother Sir Philip Sidney's celebrated prose romance, Arcadia. She revised, edited, and oversaw the publication of The Countess of Pembroke's Arcadia, cementing its place as a landmark work of English literature.

Beyond her own writing, Mary Herbert was a generous patron of the arts, supporting numerous poets, playwrights, and musicians. Wilton House, her country estate in Wiltshire, became a vibrant center of literary and artistic activity. Many prominent figures of the era, including Edmund Spenser, Samuel Daniel, Michael Drayton, and Ben Jonson, were associated with the Wilton Circle and benefited from her patronage. Her influence extended beyond literature, impacting music and theater as well.

Her own works demonstrate a deep understanding of classical literature, philosophy, and theology. She contributed to the development of English poetry and prose, and her patronage fostered a rich and diverse cultural environment. Mary Herbert's intellectual prowess, literary achievements, and influential patronage mark her as a significant figure in the English Renaissance. She died in 1649 and left behind a lasting legacy in English literature and culture.