Janet Scott, Lady Ferniehirst facts for kids

Jean Scott, Lady Ferniehirst (born around 1548) was an important Scottish landowner. She belonged to the Scott family, a well-known group from the Scottish Borders. Jean played a special role in history by agreeing to an arranged marriage. This marriage helped to end a long-standing family disagreement with the Kerr family, who had caused harm to her father. Her marriage to Thomas Kerr of Ferniehirst was successful. Jean also became involved in Scottish politics, acting as a link between the Scottish royal court and Mary, Queen of Scots, who was living in exile.

Early Life and Family

Jean Scott was the daughter of Sir William Scott of Kirkurd. Her grandfather, Walter Scott, 3rd of Buccleuch, was a powerful leader who died in 1552. Jean's brother, Walter Scott, 4th Baron of Buccleuch, became the head of the Scott family when he was only three years old. During his childhood, their uncle, Walter Scott of Goldielands, helped lead the family.

A Marriage to End a Feud

In 1565, a plan was made to end a long-standing disagreement between the Scott family and the Kerr family. This feud had caused much trouble between them. The idea was to arrange several marriages between members of both families. Even though these first marriages didn't happen, the idea set the stage for Jean's own marriage later on.

In 1569, Jean married Thomas Kerr of Ferniehirst. This marriage was very important because it finally helped to heal the feud between the Scott and Kerr families. However, Jean's life was not always peaceful. In the same year she married, an English army destroyed her husband's home, Ferniehirst Castle.

Life in Politics and Exile

Jean's husband, Thomas Kerr, was a strong supporter of Mary, Queen of Scots. He helped William Kirkcaldy of Grange, who was trying to hold Edinburgh Castle for the exiled Queen during a time of civil war in Scotland. Because of his support for Mary, Thomas had to go into exile abroad in 1573.

During this time, Jean and her husband were thought to have lent money to Grange. They might have even held some of Mary, Queen of Scots's valuable jewels as a guarantee. When people asked about Mary's jewels, it was suggested that Jean's close friend, Margaret Learmonth (Grange's wife), would know more.

In 1575, Thomas wrote to Mary, Queen of Scots, from Paris. He described how English forces had burned and destroyed his homes, costing him a lot of money. He also mentioned how his family and followers had been hurt fighting for Mary's cause. He had lost his jewels and important land documents that were kept in Edinburgh Castle.

In 1578, Mary, Queen of Scots, thought about hiring Jean Scott's young daughter to work for her. However, Queen Elizabeth of England did not allow this. It was likely feared that Jean's daughter might become another way for Mary to send secret messages.

Thomas Kerr returned to Scotland in 1581 but left again by 1583. During the 1580s, Jean was given the important job of managing her husband's business affairs in both Scotland and France. She handled everything while he was away.

Secret Messages and Royal Connections

Jean Scott had a special code (a cipher key) for her secret letters with Mary, Queen of Scots. In October 1583, she wrote to Mary from Ferniehirst, sharing news from the Scottish royal court. She told Mary that the Countess of Arran had asked her to make sure Mary would not side with the Hamilton family against the Countess's husband. Jean also mentioned that Mary was a godparent to one of her sons.

George Seton, 7th Lord Seton, another supporter of Mary, would sometimes send his letters through Lady Ferniehirst. He believed this would make them less suspicious. Mary had even sent Jean a ring as a special gift. Jean received Mary's letter and the ring from her son, and she hoped to speak with the person who delivered the letter to get more personal news from the Queen.

In February 1584, Jean hosted six Englishmen at Ferniehirst. Two of them were fugitives sent by Mary, Queen of Scots. They had arrived in Scotland after a difficult journey and stayed hidden in the tower at Ferniehirst to avoid being captured. Jean's servants later helped these men travel safely to other locations.

Jean Scott also developed a good relationship with Anne of Denmark, who was the wife of James VI of Scotland. In December 1591, Jean convinced Anne to speak with King James VI. She asked Anne to help allow the exiled Laird of Buccleuch (Jean's relative) to return to Scotland.

Family Life and Children

Jean Scott and Thomas Kerr of Ferniehirst had several children together. One of their most famous sons was Robert Carr, 1st Earl of Somerset. He later became a very important person in the English court.

Jean also helped raise Thomas's children from his previous marriage, including:

• Andrew Kerr of Ferniehirst
• Mary Kerr
• Julian Kerr
• Margaret Kerr

Her own children with Thomas Kerr included:

• James Kerr
• Thomas Kerr
• Anne Kerr
• Robert Carr, 1st Earl of Somerset

Portrait

There is a portrait of Jean Scott from 1593 by an unknown artist. In the painting, she is wearing black mourning clothes and has a pearl chain and a pearl belt. This portrait is part of the collection owned by the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry.