Isobel Colt facts for kids
Isobel Colt was a nurse who cared for Robert Stuart, Duke of Kintyre and Lorne. He was a young son of James VI of Scotland, who was the King of Scotland, and his wife, Anne of Denmark.
Who Was Isobel Colt?
Isobel Colt might have been the daughter of Oliver Colt, a lawyer from Edinburgh, Scotland. Her mother was Isobel Henryson, whose father, Thomas Henryson, was a merchant in Edinburgh.
Isobel Colt was married to Patrick Smith, who was also an Edinburgh lawyer and a "writer to the signet." This was a special type of lawyer who prepared important legal documents for the King. In those days, women in Scotland usually kept their own family names even after they got married.
Her Role as a Royal Nurse
Isobel Colt had an important job caring for young Duke Robert. When Duke Robert was baptized at Dunfermline Abbey on 2 May 1601, Isobel received special new clothes for the event. These included a gown made from taffeta fabric from Tours, France. She also received black velvet for her skirt and to decorate her gown. She even got a black velvet "mutch," which was a type of cap worn on her head.
Leaving Royal Service
Isobel Colt's time as a royal nurse ended shortly before Duke Robert passed away. It was believed that changing his nurse might help improve his health. On 25 May 1602, Isobel was given £200 Scots as a thank-you for her service. This payment came from an English courtier named Roger Aston. John Buchanan witnessed the payment. He later married Margaret Hartsyde, who was another servant of Queen Anne of Denmark.
