Dorothy Hastings facts for kids

Dorothy Hastings was born in 1579. She was the daughter of George Hastings, who was the 4th Earl of Huntingdon, and Dorothy Port. Dorothy grew up to become an important person at the royal courts of two queens: Elizabeth I of England and Anne of Denmark.

Life as a Maid of Honour

Dorothy Hastings served as a Maid of Honour to Queen Elizabeth I. A Maid of Honour was a young noblewoman who helped the Queen and attended court events.

In June 1600, Dorothy likely danced in a special play or show called a masque. This masque was part of a wedding celebration for Anne Russell and Lord Herbert. She danced with other ladies, including Mary Fitton. They wore beautiful clothes made of silver fabric, embroidered vests, and colorful silk cloaks. Their hair was styled loosely around their shoulders.

At an event called the Harefield Entertainment in 1602, Dorothy received a special gift. It was a jeweled hairpin, also known as a bodkin. Along with the gift, she received a poem that praised her beauty and good qualities.

Around this time, there was an attempt to arrange a marriage for Dorothy with Robert Bertie. However, this marriage did not happen.

Traveling with the Queen

In 1603, Dorothy Hastings traveled to Scotland. She hoped to meet and gain favor with the new queen, Anne of Denmark. Her group met the queen before the official welcoming party arrived.

Later that year, Dorothy likely traveled with the royal court to avoid the plague. They went to places like Winchester. She might have danced in another masque there, called Prince Henry's Welcome at Winchester.

Dancing in Royal Masques

Dorothy was a talented dancer and performer. In 1604, she played the role of Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture, in a masque called The Vision of the Twelve Goddesses. This show was performed at Hampton Court Palace.

She also danced in Hymenaei in 1606. This masque was written by the famous writer Ben Jonson. It was performed for the wedding of Robert Devereux and Lady Frances Howard.

Dorothy Hastings was considered a servant of Queen Anne of Denmark. She received an annual payment of £50 in 1606.

Marriage to James Stewart

Dorothy Hastings married James Stewart. He was a Scottish servant in the king's household. Sadly, James Stewart died in a duel in Islington on November 8, 1609. He fought against Sir George Wharton, who also died in the duel.

A ballad, which is a type of song or poem, was written about this sad event. King James I paid for their burials. The dispute between the two men started over a card game. James Stewart was known as a favorite of the king.

After James Stewart's death, Dorothy faced financial difficulties. Sir John Holles, who worked for Prince Henry, helped her. He assisted Dorothy in writing letters to the King, Queen, and Prince. In these letters, she asked for financial help to pay off her late husband's debts. She also asked for a yearly payment to support herself.

Later Life

In July 1613, Dorothy Hastings married again. Her second husband was Robert Dillon, who later became the 2nd Earl of Roscommon. They were married at St Andrew, Holborn. Dorothy and Robert had a son named Henry Dillon.