Catherine Murray, Lady Abercairny facts for kids
Catherine Murray was an important Scottish noblewoman and a lady-in-waiting at the royal court. She lived during the time of King James VI of Scotland (who later became King James I of England).
Life at Court
Catherine Murray was the daughter of William Murray of Tullibardine and Katherine Campbell. In 1560, she married Robert Murray of Abercairny. His father had died in a battle called battle of Pinkie.
In 1577, Catherine and her husband were asked to appear before the Privy Council. This was because they were involved in a case about a woman named Violet Mar. Catherine's sister, Annabell Murray, Countess of Mar, also gave advice on the matter. Another sister, Margaret Murray, Lady Clackmannan, was also called to the council.
Years later, in July 1588, King James VI wrote to Catherine and Robert. He asked them for "venison, wild fowls, fed capons" (which means deer meat, wild birds, and fattened chickens). These were needed for the wedding of Henrietta Stewart and George Gordon, 1st Marquess of Huntly.
Robert Murray was trusted by Anne of Denmark, who was the Queen and wife of King James VI. In March 1592, Queen Anne wrote to Robert. She asked for his help with some changes in the government.
In 1594, Catherine Murray became a "dame of honour" in the household of Prince Henry. Prince Henry was the son of King James VI and Queen Anne. Catherine joined him at Stirling Castle. Her sisters, Annabell Murray, Countess of Mar, and Margaret Murray, Lady Clackmannan, were also ladies-in-waiting there.
Catherine's Family
Catherine Murray and Robert Murray had several children:
- William Murray of Abercairny (died 1640) grew up with King James VI at Stirling Castle. He became the Master of Horse for Queen Anne. This meant he was in charge of her horses and coaches. In 1603, Queen Anne asked him to publicly burn her coach in the market square at Salisbury. This happened while she was traveling because of the plague.
- David Murray of Gorthy was an administrator for Prince Henry. He was also a poet. He helped supervise the making of Princess Elizabeth's wedding dress in 1613.
- Mungo Murray of Craigie was the father of Robert Moray, who became a famous scientist.
- John Murray (died 1632) became a minister in Dunfermline and Leith.
- Andrew Murray
- Quintigern Murray
- James Murray
- Nicola(s) Murray married Robert Douglas of Spott. He was also Prince Henry's stable master, looking after his horses.
- Anne Murray married William Moncrieff of Moncrieff.
Images for kids
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Anne of Denmark ordered William Murray to build a bonfire in the market place at Salisbury in November 1603
