Isabel Darcy

Isabel, Lady Darcy, also known as Isabel, Lady Bowes and Isabel Foljambe (c. 1563 – 27 January 1621), was an English patron of clergy. She was a supporter of exorcism, Puritanism, and the exorcist John Darrell.

Life Born Isabel Wray in Glentworth, Lincolnshire, she was the daughter of Sir Christopher Wray (1524–1592), an English judge and former Speaker of the House of Commons, and Anne Girlington (died 1593).

Although her father was known for opposing Puritanism, Wray and several of her siblings became associated with the Puritan movement. Her brother, Sir William Wray, was described as a leading patron of Puritanism in Lincolnshire.

In 1582, she married Godfrey Foljambe of Aldwarke and Walton, Derbyshire. During the captivity of Mary, Queen of Scots, Mary stayed at the Foljambe residence at Walton for two nights in January 1569.

Wray became involved in efforts to exorcise Katherine Wright, who was believed to be possessed by a demonic spirit. Several ministers participated in the case, although John Darrell later became most closely associated with the exorcism. Wray was also associated with a Puritan group in Ashby-de-la-Zouch led by Arthur Hildersham, of which Richard Bernard was also a member.