Anne Home, Countess of Lauderdale facts for kids

Anne Home, Countess of Lauderdale (1612–1671) was an important Scottish noblewoman. She lived during a time of big changes in Scotland and England. Anne was known for her family connections and for managing her properties.

A family tree showing connections to the Harington and Dudley families.

Moray House in Edinburgh, where Anne Home grew up.

The signature of Anne Lauderdale.

Lauderdale House, inherited by Anne Maitland from her mother.

Anne Home's Early Life

Anne Home was born in 1612. Her parents were Mary (Dudley) Sutton, Countess of Home and Alexander Home, 1st Earl of Home.

When she was christened, Anne of Denmark, the Queen, sent gifts. She asked her chamberlain, Henry Wardlaw of Pitreavie, to give money at the baptism. Anna Hay, Countess of Winton represented the Queen at the event.

As a child, Anne lived in Old Moray House in Edinburgh. Her older sister, Margaret Home, married James Stuart, 4th Earl of Moray.

Life as Lady Lauderdale

In 1632, Anne married John Maitland. He was the son of John Maitland, 1st Earl of Lauderdale. Anne inherited her mother's home and furniture in London. In October 1648, she hosted her grandmother, Theodosia Harington, there.

In 1648, her husband faced legal trouble. Their possessions in London were taken by the government. Claims that the items belonged to their daughter were not accepted.

In the 1660s, Anne and her husband, John Maitland, lived in London. They had homes on Aldersgate Street and at Lauderdale House, Highgate. These properties had belonged to Anne's mother. Later, their family crests were found at Highgate during repairs. Their main home in Scotland was Thirlestane Castle.

In January 1662, Anne wrote a letter to Sir John Gilmour. She asked for his help with a lawsuit. It was about the property of a Quaker named John Swinton. She signed this letter "A. Lauderdaill."

In December 1668, Anne and her husband were staying at Charing Cross. Her husband's letters mention Anne often being sick. She had colds, aches, and swelling in her face and throat. At the same time, their baby grandson, Charles Hay, was ill with smallpox. His nurse gave him a special drink. Her husband was tired of having many doctors around.

Soon after getting better, Anne Home moved to Paris. This was on the advice of the king's doctor, Sir Alexander Fraser. She went to take the waters at Bourbonne-les-Bains. Her husband sent her money from his home at Whitehall Palace. Letters sent to Anne were sometimes interfered with.

From Paris, Anne wrote about problems with her house at Highgate. She called it a "paper house" because it felt fragile. She thought her husband's huge library was making the building weak. She asked him to move his books downstairs. She wanted him to have the house repaired before winter. She reminded him that the house was hers for life, then it would go to their children.

Anne Home, Countess of Lauderdale, passed away in December 1671 in Paris.

Disputes Over Jewels

After Anne's death, her husband married Elizabeth Murray in February 1672. Anne had left her jewels to their daughter, Mary, Lady Tweeddale. The jewels were with Anne's companion in Paris, Anna Douglas. Anne had made a will in Paris, witnessed by Frederick Schomberg, 1st Duke of Schomberg. The will clearly stated the jewels should go to her daughter, Mary.

However, Lauderdale's agent took the jewels from Anna Douglas. Lauderdale then gave them to his new wife. This led to lawsuits over the jewels and Mary's inheritance. These legal battles continued for several years.

Marriage and Family Life

In 1632, Anne Home married John Maitland, 1st Duke of Lauderdale. He was the son of John Maitland, 1st Earl of Lauderdale and Isabel Seton. Anne and John had one child:

• Mary Maitland, who married John Hay, 2nd Marquess of Tweeddale in December 1666. They lived at Lauderdale House. In 1672, Mary's husband complained that the Duke of Lauderdale had taken Mary's inheritance. He used it to support his second wife, Elizabeth Maitland, Duchess of Lauderdale.