Jean Elliot facts for kids

Jean Elliot (born April 1727 – died March 29, 1805) was a talented Scottish poet. She is most famous for writing one of the best-known versions of The Flowers of the Forest. This is a sad song that remembers the Scottish army's defeat in the Battle of Flodden. Her version was published in 1776. It is the only one of her writings that we still have today. The words of her song are set to a very old tune from the early 1600s.

Jean Elliot's Life Story

Early Life and Family

Jean Elliot was born in April 1727. Her father was Sir Gilbert Elliot. She was born at Minto House in a place called Teviotdale, Scotland.

A Clever Act During a Rebellion

During the Jacobite rising of 1745, a group of Jacobites came to Minto House. They wanted to arrest Jean's father because he was an important person. Jean welcomed these unexpected visitors. She was very calm and polite. She managed to convince them that her father was not there. In reality, he was hiding nearby among the Minto crags. Her quick thinking helped keep him safe.

Life in Edinburgh

Jean Elliot had many people who admired her. However, she never got married. From 1782 to 1804, she lived in Brown's Square in Edinburgh. People say she was the last lady in the city to keep a private sedan chair in her home's hall. A sedan chair was like a small box carried by people. It was a fancy way to travel back then.

Later Years and Passing

Towards the end of her life, Jean went back to Teviotdale. She passed away on March 29, 1805. She died either at Minto House or at Mount Teviot. Mount Teviot was the home of her younger brother, Admiral John Elliot.

Jean had several brothers. These included Gilbert, John, and Andrew Elliot.