Elizabeth Shirley

Elizabeth Shirley (1564 – 1 September 1641) was an English Augustinian nun and author. Born in England she died in Leuven at a convent she had helped create. She may have written the first biography of a woman, by a woman, in English.

Life Shirley was born in 1564, probably in Leicestershire. She was one of eight children The new house was also established in Leuven and it was named St Monica's. This was Shirley's creation as she had been elected to be take charge of the financial aspects of the foundation. She governed the new house, established on 10 February 1609, for its first nine months. In the November another nun was elected prioress and Elizabeth Shirley received the role of sub-prioress.

Shirley resigned as sub-prioress in 1637 and later died at St Monica's, where she was also buried.