Elizabeth Berlay facts for kids
Elizabeth Barlay or Barlow (died 1518) was an English lady who worked for Margaret Tudor. Margaret Tudor was the wife of James IV of Scotland, the King of Scotland.
Who Was Elizabeth Barlay?
We don't know much about Elizabeth Barlay's family in England. Some old family records suggest she might have been related to William Barlow, who was a bishop, and Roger Barlow, an explorer. Even though some of her family might have been involved in a rebellion, Elizabeth found a place at the royal court. She joined Margaret Tudor's household in England in March 1503.
Life at Court
When Elizabeth was part of the Queen of Scots' group in England, she received fancy clothes. In June 1503, she got a gown made of a special silk called chamlet, trimmed with black velvet. She also received a warm wool skirt and linen for other clothes. Other ladies like "Mistress Zouche" also received similar clothing.
Elizabeth traveled north with Margaret Tudor to Scotland. The Scottish royal records show that Elizabeth received a payment of 50 English shillings every six months. This was her fee for working at court. In August 1505, she hurt her arm and was cared for by the royal apothecary, John Mossman. The King also gave her gifts of velvet and satin for new gowns in 1505 and 1506. For New Year's Day in 1507, she received a beautiful set of gold rosary beads with a cross. These beads cost a lot of money, about £62 Scots.
Marriage to Lord Elphinstone
Elizabeth Barlay married Alexander Elphinstone, 1st Lord Elphinstone in August 1507. King James IV gave them land, and Elizabeth decided to stay in Scotland for the rest of her life.
As a wedding gift in August 1507, Queen Margaret Tudor gave Elizabeth a velvet and satin gown. She also received a featherbed, bedclothes, and a special bedcover.
Alexander Elphinstone took part in a royal tournament in Edinburgh in 1507. He played the role of a "Squire of the Black Lady." His job was to guide the "Black Lady" in her special chair from Edinburgh Castle to the tournament area. Alexander and his friend William Ogilvy wore white outfits for the event.
In January 1508, King James IV made Alexander and Elizabeth the keepers of Stirling Castle and Kildrummy Castle. This was an important job. In 1513, their lands were combined into the Lordship of Elphinstone.
Elizabeth's two attendants, who helped her, each received five French gold crowns in January 1512. This was the same gift given to an African servant of the queen named Ellen More.
Sadly, Lord Elphinstone was killed in the Battle of Flodden in September 1513. Many other Scottish noblemen also died in this battle. After his death, their son Alexander became the next Lord Elphinstone.
Later Life and Family
Elizabeth Barlay later married John Forbes, 6th Lord Forbes. She passed away in September 1518.
Elizabeth and Lord Elphinstone had children, including:
- Alexander Elphinstone, 2nd Lord Elphinstone
- Euphemia Elphinstone, who had a son with King James V of Scotland. Her son was named Robert Stewart, 1st Earl of Orkney. Euphemia later married John Bruce of Cultmalindie. Her son Laurence Bruce built Muness Castle on Unst.
According to old family records, Elizabeth was also the mother of:
- Arthur Forbes of Putachie, who was known as Black Arthur. He was killed in a battle in 1571.
- Jean Forbes (1516-1542), who married three times.
