Elizabeth Dundas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Elizabeth Dundas
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Lady Stairs House, Lawnmarket, Edinburgh
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| Born | 1650 |
| Died | 25 May 1731 (aged 80–81) |
| Spouse(s) | John Dalrymple |
Elizabeth Dundas (1650 – 25 May 1731) was a Scottish noblewoman known as Lady Stair. She owned a famous building called Lady Stair’s House in the Lawnmarket area of Edinburgh’s Old Town. She lived a long life and was an important figure in her time.
Early Life of Elizabeth
Elizabeth Dundas was born in 1650. Her father was Sir John Dundas of Newliston, and her mother was Agnes Gray. Her grandparents were Sir William Gray of Pittendrum and Egidia Smith. Elizabeth had one brother, John Dundas, who was born in 1639.
Marriage and Later Years
In 1655, when Elizabeth was still young, she inherited some land and property from her father.
Around 1668 or 1669, Elizabeth married John Dalrymple. He later became the First Earl of Stair, which is a high title in the nobility. John Dalrymple lived from 1648 to 1707.
Between 1670 and 1680, Elizabeth and John had ten children: six sons and four daughters. Sadly, only three sons and one daughter lived to grow up. Elizabeth Dundas passed away on May 25, 1731, when she was 81 years old.
Lady Stair’s House History
The house now known as Lady Stair’s House has a long history. It was built in 1622 by Elizabeth’s grandparents, Sir William Gray and Egidia Smith.
In 1719, after her husband passed away, Elizabeth bought her grandparents’ house. At that time, it was known as Lady Gray’s House, named after her grandmother. Elizabeth lived in this historic house until she died in 1731.
Years later, in 1765, Elizabeth’s grandson, John Dalrymple of Newliston, sold the house. He later became the 5th Earl of Stair in 1768. Today, Lady Stair's House is a popular landmark in Edinburgh.
