Mary Fillis facts for kids

Mary Fillis was a skilled seamstress who lived in Tudor England during the late 1500s. She is remembered for her unique journey as a person of Moorish background who chose to be baptized in London.

Mary Fillis: A Life in Tudor England

Mary Fillis was born into a family from Morocco. Her father, also named Fillis, was a craftsman. He made things like baskets and shovels. Mary's family was Muslim.

Coming to London

Mary Fillis traveled to London, England, around 1583 or 1584. When she first arrived, she worked as a servant for a merchant named John Barker. Later, by 1597, she became a seamstress. A seamstress is someone who sews clothes for a living. Mary worked for Millicent Porter in an area of London called East Smithfield.

A New Beginning: Baptism

While working for Millicent Porter, Mary Fillis decided she wanted to be baptized. This meant she wanted to become a Christian. Her baptism took place in 1597 at a church called St Botolph's in Aldgate, which is in London. This choice showed her willingness to become part of the English culture.

What Happened Next?

After her employer, Millicent Porter, passed away in 1599, we don't know much about what happened to Mary Fillis. Her life in London happened at a time when England and Morocco were talking to each other about important matters. Both countries were against Spain. This historical background was part of the world Mary Fillis lived in.