in 1577, mary sidney married henry herbert, 2nd earl of pembroke (1538–1601), a close ally of the family. the marriage was arranged by her father, and uncle robert dudley, earl of leicester. as countess of pembroke, mary was responsible for a number of estates including ramsbury, ivychurch, wilton house, and baynard's castle in london, where it is known that they entertained queen elizabeth to dinner. she had four children with her husband: