Christian Lindsay facts for kids

Christian Lindsay was a Scottish poet and baker who lived around the late 1500s and early 1600s. She was known for her connection to the royal court of King James VI of Scotland.

In 1586, Christian Lindsay married William Murray. He was the Master of the Carriage for King James VI. This meant he was in charge of moving the king and queen's belongings. He transported their luggage and furniture by cart as they traveled between palaces. In early modern Scotland, married women usually kept their own surnames.

A Poet at Court

Christian Lindsay was connected to the world of poetry. A poem called "Christeane Lyndesay to Robert Hudsone" is found in the works of Alexander Montgomerie. It's not fully clear if Christian Lindsay wrote this poem herself. It's also possible that Montgomerie wrote it as if it were from her. Historians are also unsure if this Christian Lindsay was the same person who married William Murray.

Robert Hudson

The poem was addressed to Robert Hudson, also known as "Robene" Hudson. He was an English poet and musician who worked at the royal court. Robert Hudson was the brother of another poet, Thomas Hudson.

Royal Baker

Christian Lindsay also had an important role as a baker for the royal family. From 1588, she received barley to make oatcakes for the king's household. Her husband, William Murray, was also given oats in 1597 to make "caikis" (cakes).

In 1603, King James VI confirmed that Christian Lindsay would receive a regular payment, called a pension. This pension was paid in "beir", which is a type of barley. The king noted that he would no longer need her special bread. This was because he was moving to London to become King of England as well.

Life at Holyrood Palace

Christian Lindsay had a place to live at Holyrood Palace. This was a royal residence in Scotland. In 1612, a courtier named James Scrimgeour passed away in her lodging. He was also the Constable of Dundee.

A Poet's Words

The poet Alexander Montgomerie once wrote to Robert Hudson, mentioning Christian Lindsay. He said:

Quhen we are deid, that all our days bot daffis
Let Christian Lyndesay wryte our epitaphis

This means: "When we are dead, since all our days are just games, let Christian Lindsay write our epitaphs." An "epitaph" is something written on a tombstone. A "daff" means a game or a joke.