Dowry of Mary facts for kids

Dowry of Mary (also called Our Lady's Dowry) is an old and special name for England. This title started way back in the Medieval period, around the 1300s. It shows how much people in England loved and respected Mary, the mother of Jesus. They believed she had a special protective interest in England and looked after the country.

England: Mary's Special Land

The idea of England being "Mary's Dowry" began in the Middle Ages, when people in England were very devoted to the Virgin Mary. They thought England belonged to Mary in a unique way. She was seen as the country's "protectress" and guardian, using her special powers to help and defend it.

We don't know exactly when this title started, but it was very common by the mid-1300s. Around 1350, a preacher even said in a sermon, "it is commonly said that the land of England is the Virgin's dowry." About 50 years later, Archbishop Thomas Arundel wrote that "we English, being ... her own Dowry, as we are commonly called, ought to surpass others in the fervour of our praises and devotions." This shows that the name was already widely used and accepted.

During the time of Henry V, the title dos Mariae (which means "dowry of Mary" in Latin) was used for England in Latin writings. A writer named Thomas Elmham noted that English priests asked for Mary's help, calling her "the Virgin, protectress of her dower," before the famous Battle of Agincourt.

Mary's Dowry in Art

The idea of England as Mary's Dowry was also shown in art.

The Wilton Diptych is a famous painting from around 1395. It shows King Richard II kneeling in front of the Virgin and Child. One of the angels in the painting carries a flag with the Cross of St George. On top of the flag's staff is a small globe with a tiny map of England on it. This globe represents England being given to Mary.

Another old painting from the same time showed King Richard giving this globe to Mary. The words on the painting said Dos tua Virgo pia haec est, which means "This is thy dowry, O Holy Virgin."

After the English Reformation, when England changed its main religion, the idea of England having a special link with Mary became very important for Catholic families who continued to practice their faith. For example, students at the English College in Valladolid, Spain, had a painting. It showed Mary receiving a scroll from kneeling Jesuits. The scroll said, "We will remain under the shade of your wings till the wickedness passes." The painting itself had the words Anglia dos Mariae, meaning "England, Mary's dowry." Students at a college in Seville also had a painting of Mary with the words "Anglia Dos Mariae. England is the Dowry of Our Lady."

Popes Recognize the Title

Even popes have spoken about England being "Mary's Dowry." In 1893, Pope Leo XIII talked about this title when he met with Catholic visitors from England in Rome. He mentioned "the wonderful filial love which burnt within the heart of your forefathers towards the great Mother of God." He said that the English people showed so much devotion to Mary that "the kingdom itself acquired the singular and highly honourable title of 'Mary's Dowry.'"

See also

• Catholic Church in England and Wales
• Catholic Mariology
• Our Lady of Walsingham
• Our Lady of Westminster
• Patron saint

Images for kids

• 

  The Wilton Diptych (c. 1395), left panel.

• 

  The Wilton Diptych (c. 1395), right panel.