Katherine Ashley

Katherine "Kat" Ashley née Champernowne was born in 1502. We do not know with certainty who her parents was but it is generally accepted that her father was Sir John Champernowne of Dartington and Margaret Courtenay.

Katherine was appointed governess to the Lady Elizabeth after her former governess - Lady Bryant - was transferred to Prince Edward's household. Elizabeth would refer to her as "Kat" for the rest of her life. At first Lady Elizabeth was too young to have a governess which meant that Katherine's original title was a waiting gentlewoman to the young Princess. When Elizabeth reached her fourth birthday Katherine was made governess.