Catherine Murray, Countess of Dysart facts for kids

Catherine Murray, Countess of Dysart (born Catherine Bruce; died 2 August 1649) was an important Scottish noblewoman. She was the wife of William Murray, 1st Earl of Dysart. She was also the mother of Elizabeth, Duchess of Lauderdale.

Catherine was in charge of Ham House during the English Civil War. She bravely protected it from the Parliament's army. Famous artists like Anthony van Dyck painted her portrait.

Her Early Life

Catherine Bruce was born to Colonel Norman Bruce and Janet Norvell. Her family was very old and important in Scotland. They were even related to Robert the Bruce, a famous King of Scotland!

Marriage and Family Life

In the mid-1620s, Catherine married William Murray. William's family was also important, with ties to James II of Scotland. Their first child, Elizabeth, was born in 1626. Catherine and William had four more daughters.

In 1626, William became a special helper to King Charles I. This meant the family moved to Ham House near Richmond. Catherine also became a Lady-in-waiting to Queen Henrietta Maria.

William wanted to make Ham House very grand. Catherine helped by filling the house with beautiful silk fabrics and leather wall hangings.

Protecting Ham House During the War

The English Civil War began, and William had to leave to serve the King. Catherine was left to manage their family and the large estate. In 1641, William put Ham House in Catherine's name. This was a way to keep their property safe during the war.

Catherine and her daughters sometimes visited the King's court in Oxford. Because they were a strong Royalist family, Parliament watched them closely. In 1643, they were accused of sending money to the King. Catherine successfully proved her innocence.

Even with these challenges, Catherine took her daughters to Oxford in the winter of 1643–44. She also continued to host guests at Ham House. One visitor, Thomas Knyvett, said she was a "very fine discreet Lady."

This careful behavior helped her when she traveled abroad in 1645. She visited her husband in the Netherlands, France, and Scotland. She managed to avoid being suspected by Parliament. When she returned to England, Parliament tried one last time to take Ham House. Catherine fought for months and finally won.

Her Portraits

Catherine was painted by several well-known artists of her time.

• A small portrait from 1638 was made by John Hoskins the elder. It shows Catherine in a blue satin dress with pearls. A copy of this portrait from 1649 shows Ham House in the background. This copy is an important picture of the house from that time.
• A larger painting by Anthony Van Dyck hangs at Petworth House. This painting was part of a series honoring important ladies of the court.
• Peter Besnier made a bronze bust (a sculpture of her head and shoulders) of Catherine. It is still at Ham House today.

Her Later Years and Death

In 1648, Catherine gave ownership of Ham House to her daughter Elizabeth and Elizabeth's husband, Lionel Tollemache. Catherine became ill. She passed away on 2 August 1649 and was buried at Petersham Church.

Images for kids

• 

  Catherine Bruce, Mrs William Murray and Countess of Dysart (d.1649) by John Hoskins the elder, 1638

• 

  Bronze bust by Peter Besnier