Frances Mackenzie, Countess of Seaforth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Right Honourable
The Countess of Seaforth |
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|---|---|
| Born | Lady Frances Herbert 1659 Montgomeryshire, Wales |
| Died | 18 December 1732 Paris, France |
| Spouse(s) | Kenneth Mackenzie, 4th Earl of Seaforth |
| Issue | William Mackenzie, 5th Earl of Seaforth Lady Mary Sempill |
| Parents | William Herbert, 1st Marquess of Powis Lady Elizabeth Somerset |
Frances Mackenzie, Countess of Seaforth (born Frances Herbert, 1659 – 18 December 1732) was an important Welsh noblewoman. She became a Scottish Countess when she married Kenneth Mackenzie, 4th Earl of Seaforth. Frances was known for her family's strong support of the Jacobite cause.
Contents
Life of Frances Mackenzie
Growing Up in a Jacobite Family
Frances Herbert was born in 1659. Her parents were William Herbert, 1st Marquess of Powis and Lady Elizabeth Somerset. Frances grew up in a Roman Catholic family that strongly supported the Jacobites.
The Jacobites were people who believed that James Francis Edward Stuart (also known as the Old Pretender) should be the King of England, Scotland, and Ireland. They did not support the new King William III and Queen Mary II.
Frances had one brother, William, and four sisters: Mary, Anne, Lucy, and Winifred. Her family was very active in the Jacobite movement. They took part in several rebellions in the late 1600s and early 1700s.
For example, her father helped Queen Mary of Modena and her baby son, James, escape in 1688. This happened after the Glorious Revolution, when King James II was removed from power.
Frances's sister, Winifred, was also very brave. Her husband, William Maxwell, was captured during a Jacobite uprising in 1715. He was found guilty of treason and sentenced to death. But Winifred famously helped him escape from the Tower of London!
Marriage and Family Life
In 1680, Frances married Kenneth Mackenzie, 4th Earl of Seaforth. He was also a Jacobite, but from Scotland. They had four children together: William, Mary, Alicia, and Alexander.
About ten years into their marriage, Kenneth was sent to lead a Jacobite rebellion in Scotland. However, he was captured and put in prison. He was released in 1697. After his release, the family moved to Paris, France. Kenneth died there in January 1701.
Later Years and Passing
After her husband passed away, Frances Mackenzie stayed in Paris. She lived there for many years. She died on December 18, 1732, when she was 73 years old.
