Helen Leslie, Lady Newbattle facts for kids

Helen Leslie, by Willem Key, Scottish National Portrait Gallery

Helen Leslie, also known as Lady Newbattle (born 1520, died 1594), was an important Scottish noblewoman. She was a strong supporter of Mary, Queen of Scots. Helen was the daughter of George Leslie, 4th Earl of Rothes and Agnes Somerville. Her family name is sometimes spelled "Lesley".

Helen Leslie married twice. Her first husband was Gilbert Seton of Parbroath. Later, she married Mark Ker of Newbattle. In those times, married women in Scotland usually kept their own family names.

Helping Mary, Queen of Scots

During a long attack on Edinburgh Castle in 1572, Helen Leslie showed her loyalty. She loaned money to William Kirkcaldy of Grange. He needed the money to pay soldiers who were fighting for Mary, Queen of Scots.

As a promise for the loan, Helen received some gold buttons. These buttons were part of the famous jewels of Mary, Queen of Scots. She got them from a goldsmith named James Mosman. After the castle was captured in 1573, Helen took the buttons to the English commander, William Drury. He returned her money and took the buttons.

Life at Prestongrange House

From 1577, Helen Leslie and her husband rented a house in Edinburgh. It was on the High Street. Helen was very involved in managing her husband's properties. She even went to court to try and end a lease for coal mines at Prestongrange.

Esmé Stewart, a close friend of King James VI, gave Helen and Mark a special cupboard for their home, Prestongrange House. The ceiling of their hall was painted in 1581. It had bright pictures called emblems and funny figures. These designs were copied from popular books and prints of the time. The painted ceiling was later moved to Merchiston Tower in 1964. It is now part of Napier Technical College.

Helen Leslie also exchanged letters with John Lesley, who was the Bishop of Ross. He had been a secretary to Mary, Queen of Scots. In 1590, he wrote to Helen from France. He hoped her son, George Leslie, could help him with his debts and reputation in Scotland.

Helen Leslie died on 26 October 1594. She wrote her will at Prestongrange in September 1594. Her good friend, Alexander Seton, Lord Urquhart, was there.

Helen Leslie's Family

Helen Leslie had children from both of her marriages.

Children with Gilbert Seton

Her first husband was Gilbert Seton of Parbroath. Their children included:

• David Seton of Parbroath (died 1601)
• Janet Seton, who married the Laird of Samuelston.

Children with Mark Kerr

Her second husband was Mark Kerr (died 1584). He was the head of Newbattle Abbey. Their children included:

• Mark Kerr, 1st Earl of Lothian (died 1594)
• Andrew Kerr of Fenton
• George Kerr
• William Kerr
• Catherine Kerr, who married William Maxwell, Lord Herries.