Henrietta Gordon facts for kids

Henrietta Gordon (born around 1628; active until 1672) was a Scottish noblewoman who became a courtier in France. She served as a maid of honour to Princess Henrietta of England, who was the youngest daughter of Charles I of England.

Henrietta Gordon: A Young Courtier's Story

Early Life and Family

Henrietta Gordon was the youngest daughter of Lord John Gordon. He was given the titles Viscount of Melgum and Lord Aboyne in 1627. Her mother was Sophia Hay. Henrietta was born around 1628.

Her father was the second son of George Gordon, 1st Marquis of Huntly. Sadly, her father died in a fire in October 1630. Her mother passed away on March 22, 1642. This left Henrietta an orphan at a young age.

A Difficult Childhood

Henrietta was raised as a Roman Catholic. After her parents died, her uncle, George Gordon, 2nd Marquis of Huntly, became her guardian. He was a Protestant. On her deathbed, Henrietta's mother asked her father confessor, Gilbert Blackhall, to look after her daughter.

Blackhall went to Paris to ask Henrietta's grandmother, the Dowager Marquise of Huntly, for help. But her grandmother said she was too poor to help bring Henrietta to Paris. So, Blackhall asked Anne of Austria, the Queen of France, for assistance.

Journey to France

Queen Anne wrote a letter to the Marquis of Huntly. She asked him to let Blackhall take Henrietta to France. The Marquis wanted Henrietta to be educated as a Protestant. However, after some delays, Blackhall was able to take charge of Henrietta. They sailed from Aberdeen on July 26, 1643.

In Paris, Henrietta was introduced to the queen by her cousin, Ludovic. She was sent to a convent to learn French. After a year, she moved to another convent. She did not like the rules or the food there. So, Blackhall convinced the queen to move her again.

Henrietta moved to a new convent in January 1647. She stayed there until August 1647. Then she moved to another convent. In January 1649, there was an uprising in Paris called the Fronde. The queen ordered Henrietta to be taken to Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye for safety.

Life at the French Court

Henrietta was very proud. She refused to work for the Princess de Condé, even though the queen suggested it. For a while, she relied on the kindness of friends. Eventually, she was accepted into the queen's household. She started as a supernumerary maid of honour. After two years, she became a full maid of honour.

Serving Royalty

Henrietta was mentioned in the writings of Anne Marie Louise d'Orléans, Duchess of Montpensier. These writings show that by 1658, Henrietta was well-liked by Philippe I, Duke of Orléans. He was known as Monsieur. He spent a lot of time thinking about her clothes and appearance.

When Monsieur married Princess Henrietta of England, Henrietta Gordon became a lady of the bedchamber to Madame (Princess Henrietta). After Madame passed away, Henrietta served Philippe's second wife, Elizabeth Charlotte of the Palatinate. She continued in the same role.

A letter from December 1672 suggests that Henrietta was not getting along with her new mistress. After this time, there is no more information about her. It seems she was not very popular with others.