Anna Balfour facts for kids
Anna Balfour was an important Scottish noblewoman who lived a long time ago. She was known for creating a special recipe book and, with her daughters, a book of music for the lute. She passed away in 1649.
Contents
Anna Balfour's Family History
Anna Balfour's father was Robert Balfour, 2nd Lord Balfour of Burleigh. Her mother was Margaret, whose father was Michael Balfour, 1st Lord Balfour of Burleigh.
Anna Balfour's Marriage and Home Life
Marriage to David Wemyss
In January 1627, Anna Balfour married David Wemyss, 2nd Earl of Wemyss. When they first married, they planned to live with David's father at Wemyss Castle. They also had a home called the Chapel of Wemyss.
Daily Life and Companions
By 1634, Anna Balfour had two women who were her companions. She also had two maids, who were called "quins" in Scotland at that time. At their home, the Chapel of Wemyss, they had a lovely garden where they grew herbs.
Lady Elcho's Recipe Book
David Wemyss was first known as the Master of Wemyss. Later, when his father became the Earl of Wemyss, David was called "Lord Elcho." This made Anna Balfour "Lady Elcho." Lady Elcho created a special book filled with recipes. These recipes included both food and medical remedies. Her daughter, Jean, later continued to add to this book. Jean wrote that the book contained "many Receits" (recipes) from the "most famous Phisitians" (doctors) of her mother's time.
Anna Balfour's Children
During her pregnancies, Anna Balfour consulted a doctor from Edinburgh named David Arnot. He gave her special stones and a belt, which she believed helped women during childbirth. She wrote that one stone was for "the weimen in traveill" (women in labor).
Jean Wemyss
- Jean Wemyss (1629-1715) was one of Anna's daughters.
- She married Archibald Douglas, 1st Earl of Ormond in 1649 at Wemyss Castle.
- Later, she married George Gordon, 15th Earl of Sutherland.
- Jean lived at Dunrobin Castle.
Margaret Wemyss
- Margaret Wemyss (1630-1648) was another daughter.
- She worked with her mother and sister to create a book of lute music.
- This music book is now known as the "Wemyss manuscript."
Anna Balfour's Death
Anna Balfour, Lady Elcho, passed away on November 10, 1649.
Anna Balfour's Legacy
Both Anna Balfour's recipe book and the music manuscript she created with her daughters are very important historical items. They are now kept safely at the National Library of Scotland.
