Elizabeth Douglas, Countess of Erroll facts for kids
Elizabeth Douglas, Countess of Erroll (who passed away in 1631) was an important Scottish noblewoman. She was the youngest daughter of William Douglas, 6th Earl of Morton and Agnes Leslie, Countess of Morton. Her father had seven daughters, who were sometimes called the "pearls of Lochleven" because they were so special.
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A Royal Wedding Challenge
Elizabeth married Francis Hay, 9th Earl of Erroll on June 27, 1590. Their wedding was a private event. This was because they feared King James VI might try to stop it. The King wanted to make sure the couple would follow the Protestant religion. He even threatened Elizabeth's father, the Earl of Morton, with legal action.
Why the King Objected
King James VI was worried about the marriage. He wanted the Kirk of Scotland to be sure that both Elizabeth and Francis would be good Protestants. At this time, there were strong feelings about religion in Scotland.
Powerful Friends and Foes
Even with the King's concerns, some powerful people supported the marriage. The Master of Glamis thought it would make a political group stronger. Sir Robert Melville believed it would lessen the influence of the Earl of Huntly over Erroll.
However, not everyone agreed. On April 21, 1590, the Earl of Montrose and others tried to convince Erroll not to marry Elizabeth. But Erroll said he could change the minds of his wife's friends.
Choosing the Bride
Before the wedding, Elizabeth's father, the Earl of Morton, and the Earl of Erroll talked about which daughter Francis would marry. Morton tried to get Francis to marry one of Elizabeth's older sisters. But Francis liked Elizabeth, the youngest, the most.
The official permission for the marriage was given at Lochleven on June 2, 1590. The marriage was announced publicly at the Kirk of Slains.
Living as a Catholic in Protestant Scotland
In February 1593, King James traveled north. He wanted to deal with the Earls of Huntly, Angus, and Erroll. They were suspected of planning things to support the Catholic faith. The earls went into hiding.
Meeting the King
Henrietta, Countess of Huntly and Elizabeth, Countess of Erroll, met the King in Aberdeen. He allowed them to keep their homes and lands.
Rebellion and Destruction
In 1594, the Earl of Erroll led a rebellion against the King. King James VI put down this uprising. Their home, Slains Castle, was destroyed using gunpowder and cannons.
The next year, Elizabeth hired builders to repair the castle. It was even said that Anne of Denmark, the Queen, offered Elizabeth a special jewel. This jewel, called the "Great H of Scotland", was offered as a way to make up for the damage to Slains.
Forced to Move
In March 1595, church leaders asked the King to make Elizabeth and the Countess of Huntly live near Edinburgh. Elizabeth was pregnant at the time. The Privy Council ordered her to move to Dalkeith Palace after her child was born.
She had a child in September 1595. John Bothwell, from Holyroodhouse, was sent by the King to attend the christening.
A Public Return
In January 1598, Elizabeth and Queen Anne of Denmark rode to the Mercat Cross in Edinburgh. They watched a special ceremony. This ceremony officially brought back the titles of the Earls of Angus, Erroll, and Huntly. It was a big event with trumpets playing.
Queen Anne was very fond of Elizabeth Douglas and the Countess of Huntly. People said that the Queen was very close to them and often showed her affection.
A Possible Poet
Some people think Elizabeth might be the "E. D." who wrote two poems. These poems were for William Fowler, a poet and secretary to Queen Anne of Denmark. However, another Elizabeth Douglas, who was married to a diplomat, might also be the author.
Elizabeth's Family
Elizabeth Douglas and Francis Hay had many children together. They had five sons and eight daughters:
- William Hay, 10th Earl of Erroll, who married Anne Lyon in 1618. Anne was the daughter of Patrick Lyon, 1st Earl of Kinghorne and Anne Murray.
- George
- Francis
- Thomas
- Lewis
- Anna Hay, who was a lady-in-waiting to Queen Anne of Denmark. She married George Seton, 3rd Earl of Winton.
- Jean Hay, who married John Erskine, Earl of Mar.
- Mary Hay, who married Walter Scott, 1st Earl of Buccleuch.
- Elizabeth Hay, who married two times. First, she married Hugh Sempill, 5th Lord Sempill. Then, she married James Douglas, 1st Lord Mordington.
- Sophia Hay, who married John Gordon, Viscount Melgum. He was the son of George Gordon, 1st Marquess of Huntly.
- Margaret Hay, who married Sir John Seton of Barns. He was the son of Sir John Seton of Barns and Anne Forbes.
- Isabel Hay, who never married.
- Helen Hay (who passed away in 1625 at the age of 10).
