Elizabeth Gordon, Duchess of Gordon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Elisabeth Gordon |
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Elizabeth Gordon from Disruption Worthies
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| Personal details | |
| Birth name | Elizabeth Brodie |
| Born | 20 June 1794 London |
| Died | 31 January 1864 Huntly |
| Spouse | George Gordon |
Elizabeth Gordon, Duchess of Gordon (born Elizabeth Brodie; 20 June 1794 – 31 January 1864) was an important Scottish noblewoman. In 1813, she married George Gordon, who later became the 5th Duke of Gordon. She was first a member of the Scottish Episcopal Church. However, she later joined the Free Church of Scotland in 1846. People often called her the good Duchess because of her kindness. She is remembered for supporting the early Free Church. She also helped start Gordon Schools in Huntly and the Gordon Chapel in Fochabers.
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Early Life and Education
Elizabeth Gordon was born in London on 20 June 1794. Her father was Alexander Brodie. He came from the Clan Brodie in northern Scotland. Her father became very wealthy while working in India.
When he returned home, he became a member of parliament. Her mother was Elizabeth Margaret Wemyss. Sadly, her mother died when Elizabeth was only six years old. Her aunts raised her carefully in Elgin, Scotland. She was well-educated and inherited a lot of money. She was also known for her cheerful personality.
Marriage and Devotion
On 11 December 1813, Elizabeth married George Gordon. He was 25 years older than her. Her new position allowed her to meet many important people. However, she saw some upsetting things in high society. This led her to study the Bible for comfort. She became a very strong believer. Over time, she decided to live a life focused on her faith.
In 1827, at age 33, she became the Duchess of Gordon. She began to live a life of deep religious devotion. In 1830, she was made Mistress of the Robes. This was an important role in the royal household. She became very interested in helping schools and churches. She supported many Christian projects among her own people.
In 1836, her husband passed away. They had lived together with much love. After his death, she became more independent. Her dedication to her faith grew even stronger. Elizabeth then moved to Huntly Lodge, a house on the estate. This house is now known as the Castle Hotel.
Supporting the Free Church
Huntly Lodge is in Strathbogie. This area was important during a big conflict in the church. This conflict happened before the Disruption of the Church of Scotland in 1843. The Disruption was when many ministers and members left the Church of Scotland. They did this because they believed the church should be free from government control.
The Duchess was an Episcopalian at first. But she supported those who wanted the church to be independent. In 1846, her views changed. She felt the Church of England (which the Scottish Episcopal Church was similar to) did not have enough discipline. After a long time of thinking, she left it. She then joined the Free Church of Scotland.
Leaders of the Free Church, like William Howels, were her personal friends. They often visited her home. They held religious meetings there. She became a very important figure among Christian believers in Scotland. She helped the St Luke's congregation build a church in Holyrood, Edinburgh. She gave a lot of support to this project.
Legacy and Remembrance
Elizabeth Gordon died suddenly at Huntly Lodge on 31 January 1864. She was 69 years old.
She is remembered for her strong support of the early Free Church. She also helped found The Gordon Schools in Huntly. Inside the arched entrance at the Gordon Schools, there are special plaques. One shows her portrait, and another shows her husband, the Duke.
Images for kids
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Elizabeth Gordon by Richard James Lane
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Elizabeth Gordon by William Essex
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Elizabeth Gordon (née Brodie), Duchess of Gordon by Maxim Gauci from British Museum
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Elizabeth Gordon (née Brodie), Duchess of Gordon by Abraham Bouvier from British Museum
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Elizabeth Gordon by H W Mote
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