Mary, Lady Chudleigh (née Mary Lee; August 1656 – September 15, 1710) was an English poet who belonged to an intellectual circle that included Mary Astell, Elizabeth Thomas, Judith Drake, Elizabeth Elstob, Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, and John Norris. In her later years she published a volume of poetry and two volumes of essays, all dealing with feminist themes. Two of her books were published in four editions during the last ten years of her life. Her poetry on the subject of human relationships and reactions has appeared in several anthologies. Her feminist essays are still in print.
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Biography
Mary Lee was born in Winslade, Devon, in August 1656, the daughter of Richard Lee and Mary Sydenham of Westminster. She was baptized in Clyst St George, a Devon parish, on 19 August 1656. She was the oldest of three siblings. Her mother came from the Sydenham family of Wynfold Eagle, Dorset. Lady Mary's uncle Colonel William Sydenham fought in the English Civil War on the side of Parliament. Her other uncle, Dr Thomas Sydenham, was known for his study of epidemic diseases and served as a physician to Anne Finch, Viscountess Conway. Her father was a man of property.