Fremyn Alezard facts for kids

Fremyn Alezard was a skilled shoemaker from France who lived in Edinburgh, Scotland. He made shoes for important people, including Mary, Queen of Scots, and later for her son, King James VI. His name was spelled in different ways, like Fremyne Allisarde. In Scotland, a shoemaker was called a "cordiner."

A Royal Shoemaker

Fremyn Alezard was part of Mary, Queen of Scots' royal household. He was one of the "gens de mestier," which means he was a royal artisan or craftsman. He made fancy shoes and slippers from soft velvet and special imported leather. These shoes were for Mary, her husband Lord Darnley, and their son, the young King James VI. He also made shoes for other important noble families.

Shoes for a Queen

Records from Mary's wardrobe show that Alezard made many shoes for her. He used black velvet for her shoes and slippers, which were often lined with black taffeta. In 1578, there were still 36 pairs of Mary's velvet shoes, decorated with gold and silver, kept at Edinburgh Castle.

Even when Mary was held prisoner at Lochleven Castle in 1567, Alezard continued to send her shoes. In 1568, he sent her special leather shoes and "mules" (a type of slipper) when she was at Bolton Castle. The leather used was called "marikyn," which was a Scottish word for goatskin leather, often from Morocco.

After Mary Left Scotland

After Mary, Queen of Scots, went to England, many of her velvet shoes were still stored in Edinburgh Castle. In July 1568, Fremyn Alezard traveled to France. Before he left, the Regent Moray, who was ruling Scotland at the time, paid Alezard's bill for the shoes and mules he had made.

In 1572, some people who supported Mary in Edinburgh were called to appear in Leith because they were seen as disloyal. Fremyn Alezard was likely the "French sutar" (French shoemaker) mentioned in the list of these people.

Making Shoes for the Young King

Later, a shoemaker named Henry Quhite or White started making shoes for the young King James VI. In 1576, a detailed bill for the king's shoes listed velvet mules, "pantons" (slippers), and "marikin" leather shoes stitched with silk.

Alezard's Family and Business

Fremyn Alezard was married to Jacquette Pranger. They had four daughters named Charlotte, Katherine, Agnes, and Frances.

He passed away on November 11, 1584.

His Business Stock

When Alezard died in 1584, his shoemaking business had different types of leather and cork. He also had seven pairs of mules and shoes, each pair valued at 30 shillings. He had a good amount of gold coins. Many important people owed him money for shoes, including the Earl of Mar, the Earl of Angus, and the Master of Orkney.

Secret Messages in Shoes

Even after Mary, Queen of Scots, was in England, she continued to wear high-heeled slippers called "mules haultes." In 1586, she told the French ambassador that these slippers would be a perfect place to hide secret messages. She suggested hiding letters in the cork soles and heels. She advised him to mark the slippers with secret messages discreetly with a fingernail on the sole.

Images for kids

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  Mary's shoe preserved at the Mary Queen of Scots House, Jedburgh