Barbara Ruthven facts for kids
Barbara Ruthven (died 1625) was a Scottish lady who served Anne of Denmark, the Queen of Scotland. She was a favorite of the Queen but was later asked to leave the court after a sad event involving her brother.
Barbara was one of the daughters of William Ruthven, 1st Earl of Gowrie and Dorothea Stewart, Countess of Gowrie. Her mother was the oldest daughter of Henry Stewart, 1st Lord Methven.
Contents
Barbara Ruthven: A Scottish Courtier
Early Life and Royal Service
Barbara served Queen Anne of Denmark as a maid of honor. Her sister, Beatrix, also worked at court. Beatrix even had an important role at the christening of Princess Elizabeth in 1596. The Queen bought Beatrix a special gown for this event. Another sister, Christene, might also have been part of the Queen's household. Their sister Elizabeth married Robert Gordon of Lochinvar.
Barbara was sometimes involved in important discussions. In 1597, she had a private talk with the Scottish ambassador, Robert Crichton, 8th Lord Crichton of Sanquhar. Beatrix Ruthven was also a notable person at court. She even received a gift from Sir James MacDonell of Dunluce Castle in 1598.
Family Troubles and Royal Support
A very difficult event happened on August 5, 1600. Barbara's brother, the Earl of Gowrie, and another brother were killed in a struggle with James VI of Scotland at Gowrie House in Perth. This event caused great sadness and trouble for the Ruthven family.
Before this, there were some strange signs. One story says that Beatrix Ruthven laughed at a doctor's feet. He then told her that a big disaster was coming for her family. After the event, two younger Ruthven brothers found safety in Berwick-upon-Tweed. Their two sisters, Barbara and Beatrix, who served the Queen, were sent away from court.
Even though King James wanted the Ruthven sisters to leave, Queen Anne of Denmark protected them. On November 1, 1600, their mother, Dorothea Stewart, hoped the King would help her daughters. She said their situation was "very desolate" and she could not help them herself.
Life in England and Royal Pension
Sir Robert Cecil, a trusted advisor to Queen Anne, helped Barbara travel to London. He wrote that some of Queen Elizabeth's ladies felt sorry for Barbara. However, Queen Elizabeth did not allow Barbara at her court. Queen Anne of Denmark kept asking for help for Barbara.
In 1602, Queen Anne and Queen Elizabeth agreed that Barbara could come to London. But King James heard rumors that Barbara was "trafficking busily" against him in London. Queen Elizabeth's agent told King James that she would not deal with the Ruthven sisters. A Scottish diplomat in London suggested it would be best if Barbara left England.
On December 25, 1602, Barbara's sister, Beatrix, was secretly brought into Queen Anne's rooms in London. She pretended to be a servant. In early 1603, Barbara came to London again from Cambridge, where her brothers were staying. She had new clothes made. People thought she might join Queen Elizabeth's household or ask for favors for her brothers.
A lawyer named John Manningham described Barbara as a "gallant tall gentlewoman." He noted her Scottish accent.
Her Family's Story
Beatrix Ruthven: Sister and Lady Coldenknowes
In May 1606, King James allowed Beatrix Ruthven to be restored to her good name. This meant she was no longer seen as being in trouble with the King. However, she could not get back any family inheritance.
Beatrix later married Sir James Home of Coldenknowes. She lived and died in Scotland. Their son was Sir James Home of Whitriggs. He married Anne Home, and their son became James Home, 3rd Earl of Home.
Patrick Ruthven: Brother and Scholar
After the trouble in 1600, King James ordered the capture of Barbara's brothers, Patrick and William Ruthven. They had to hide for a month in Berwick-upon-Tweed. The town's Marshall, Sir John Carey, helped them travel to Durham and Cambridge.
Later in 1603, one of the brothers was caught at an inn. He first pretended to be from a different town, but his lack of local knowledge gave him away. He had books and some medicines with him.
Patrick Ruthven was held prisoner in the Tower of London in 1613. He was interested in learning and science. His brother William was also interested in alchemy, which was an early form of chemistry.
Patrick's Later Life and Family
Patrick Ruthven was given money for clothes and books while he was a prisoner. He was released in August 1622. He received a yearly payment and was asked to live in Oxford or Cambridge. In 1641, the Scottish Parliament officially cleared his name.
Patrick married Elizabeth Woodford. They had three sons, including a son also named Patrick, who became a soldier. Their daughter, Marie or Mary Ruthven (died 1645), was a maid of honor to Queen Henrietta Maria. She married the famous painter Anthony van Dyck. He painted her picture many times. Their daughter was born on the same day Anthony van Dyck died. Mary later married Sir Richard Pryse.
Barbara Ruthven was buried in Greenwich on December 29, 1625.
