Helenor Hay, Countess of Linlithgow facts for kids
Helenor Hay, Countess of Linlithgow (c. 1552–1627) was an important Scottish lady and writer. She lived during a time when Scotland and England were becoming closer, and she played a role in the royal court.
Early Life and Family
Helenor Hay was born around 1552. She was the oldest daughter of Andrew Hay, 8th Earl of Erroll. Her mother was Lady Jean Hay. Helenor's name was sometimes spelled "Helenor" or "Hellionor," but she often signed her letters as "Eleanor."
Caring for Princesses
Helenor and her husband were in charge of Linlithgow Palace. From 1596, they were given a very special job: looking after Princess Elizabeth, who was the daughter of James VI of Scotland. Some people worried about Helenor's Catholic faith, as it was different from the main church in Scotland at the time.
Other ladies helped care for Princess Elizabeth at Linlithgow. These included Margaret Kennedy, Lady Ochiltree, Alison Hay (who was the Princess's nurse), and Elizabeth Hay. Elizabeth Hay helped brush the Princess's hair. Anne of Denmark, Princess Elizabeth's mother, could visit her daughter often at Linlithgow.
Helenor also looked after Princess Margaret. In 1600, King James VI was very pleased with how Helenor and her husband had educated both princesses. He rewarded them by confirming their lands at Callendar and Falkirk.
Religious Beliefs and Challenges
Helenor received some religious teaching from Patrick Simson, a minister from Stirling. She was known for her strong Catholic beliefs.
In 1606, Helenor and her husband hosted six ministers who had been imprisoned. These ministers, including John Welsh, were given more freedom at Linlithgow than they had at Blackness Castle. Friends like Patrick Simson were allowed to visit them.
Around 1618, Helenor had to write to the king to avoid being officially removed from the Church of Scotland because of her faith.
A book was published in 1629 called The confession and conversion of the right honorable, most illustrious, and elect lady, my Lady C. of L. This book described her religious journey. However, some people today believe that Helenor herself might not have written this book.
Family Life
In 1584, Helenor married Alexander Livingstone. He later became the Earl of Linlithgow. They had several children together:
- John, Master of Livingston, who passed away young.
- Alexander Livingston, 2nd Earl of Linlithgow (died 1648).
- James Livingston, 1st Earl of Callendar (died c. 1674).
- Anne Livingston (died 1632), who married Alexander Montgomerie, 6th Earl of Eglinton.
- Margaret Livingston (died c. 1651), who married John Fleming, 2nd Earl of Wigtown.
Helenor Hay, Countess of Linlithgow, passed away in 1627.
