Helen Guthrie facts for kids

Helen Guthrie was a Scottish woman who lived a long time ago, around the year 1592. She is remembered for being brave enough to speak directly to the King of Scotland, James VI. She wanted him to rule in a way that followed strict religious values.

Who Was Helen Guthrie?

Helen Guthrie grew up in Aberdeen, Scotland. Her father, John Guthrie, was a saddle maker. In June 1592, Helen became known for a very bold action. She went to King James VI and told him he should change his ways. She believed he should follow the rules of Presbyterianism, a type of Christian faith.

Speaking to the King

One day in Edinburgh, Helen Guthrie found King James VI as he was getting ready to go hunting. She gave a speech and also handed him a written message. This message, called a petition, asked the King to stop swearing. It also asked him to properly honor Sunday, known as the Sabbath. It was not unusual for ordinary people in Scotland to approach the King like this.

Helen Guthrie came to Holyrood Palace to tell James VI and I there would be trouble if he did not mend his ways

The King's Reaction

King James VI is said to have laughed and sworn at Helen. He asked her if she was a prophetess, someone who could predict the future. Helen simply replied that she was a "simple servant of God." The King then sent her to his wife, Anne of Denmark. Queen Anne treated Helen much more kindly.

Recording History

A historian named David Calderwood later wrote down the details of Helen's meeting with the King. The exact words of her petition were saved in a collection of papers called the Warrender Papers. This copy says Helen was 18 years old at the time. Some historians, like Maureen Meikle, have noted that her message was very carefully written. The exact date of this event is not fully known. In late June 1592, King James VI and Queen Anne were at Falkland Palace. They were briefly surrounded by the Earl of Bothwell's forces before returning to Holyrood.

Other Women Who Approached the King

Helen Guthrie was not the only woman to approach King James VI with a message. In 1590, the King and Queen had met a woman from Lübeck. She claimed to have a special message for the King about the future. A secretary at court, George Young, interviewed her.