Cecily Boulstred (bap. 1584, d. 1609) was an English courtier and writer. She was born to Edward Boulstred (d. 1595) and Cecily (fl. 1575-1608), the daughter of Sir John Croke of Chilton, in Beaconsfield. Her parents Edward and Cecily produced nine other children, amongst them Edward (1588-1659), who served as a judge in the courts of chancery, king’s bench, the Oxford assize circuits, and the Warwickshire quarter sessions throughout his lifetime. During her time at King James’s court, Boulstred became the frequent subject of scandalous works by poets such as Ben Jonson who threatened her reputation with rumors of promiscuity. Many writers, including John Donne, used the event of her death as an opportunity to gain favor with her friend and matron of the literary arts, the countess of Bedf