Jean Fleming, Countess of Cassilis facts for kids

Jean Fleming, Countess of Cassilis (born around 1553 or 1554, died 1609) was an important Scottish noblewoman. She was part of the royal court of King James VI of Scotland. She is known for her strength and for managing her own money and affairs, even when facing difficulties.

Early Life and Family

Jean Fleming was born in 1553 or 1554. Her father was James Fleming, 4th Lord Fleming, and her mother was Barbara Hamilton. After her father passed away, his lands and title went to her uncle, John Fleming, 5th Lord Fleming. Jean had to go to the Privy Council of Scotland, which was a group of the king's advisors, to make sure she received her fair share of her family's inheritance.

Marriage to John Maitland

On January 16, 1583, Jean married John Maitland. He was 11 years older than her. At the time, he was the Keeper of the Privy Seal of Scotland, and he later became the Lord Chancellor of Scotland. After their marriage, Jean was known as "Lady Thirlestane."

Jean and John had two children. Their daughter, Anne, was born in 1590 and passed away in 1609. Their son, John Maitland, grew up to be a judge. He also became the head of the Parliament of Scotland and the Privy Council.

In December 1587, a poet named William Fowler dedicated his book Triumphs of Petrarke to Jean. Another woman, "E. D.", who might have been Elizabeth Douglas, also wrote poems praising her.

Jean Fleming's Role as Lady Chancellor

Jean Fleming was very involved in her husband's work as Chancellor of Scotland. The Chancellor was a very powerful position, like a chief minister to the king. An English visitor named Thomas Fowler once wrote that Jean was "a wise woman and half chancellor when he is at home." This shows how important she was in helping her husband with his duties.

Jean also handled large amounts of money. The royal goldsmith, Thomas Foulis, recorded money she received for the royal mint. She managed funds, some of which were used for the arrival of the new queen, Anne of Denmark. Jean even received a special amethyst ring.

In February 1590, Jean was pregnant. In May 1590, she might have been among the noblewomen who welcomed Queen Anne of Denmark when she arrived in Scotland. Her daughter Anne was baptized on July 12, 1590.

Jean Fleming later had a disagreement with Queen Anne. Jean made a comment about the queen's supposed connection to Francis Stewart, 5th Earl of Bothwell. He had been accused of witchcraft. The queen was upset and wrote a letter mentioning Jean's accusation. Even so, Jean was back in the queen's good favor by February 1595.

Becoming Countess of Cassilis

When her husband, John Maitland, passed away on October 3, 1595, King James VI sent a letter to Jean to comfort her. Jean was left a very wealthy widow.

In November 1597, Jean married John Kennedy, 5th Earl of Cassilis. He was about 22 years younger than her. Many people at the Scottish court talked about the age difference. However, Jean's wealth meant that the couple remained important and respected. People said she was "past bairns bearing," meaning she was too old to have more children, and he was a young man of about 23.

Before marrying Jean, the Earl of Cassilis had considered marrying another woman, Jean Cunningham. She died shortly after his wedding to Jean Fleming. She left a note blaming Cassilis for breaking their promise to marry. This caused a big argument between the Cunningham and Kennedy families.

Jean Fleming continued to manage her finances. In 1598, two royal financiers owed her a large sum of money. In 1599, her new husband, Kennedy, was offered a job as Treasurer. He turned it down because he worried about the cost of lending money to King James VI, who often needed funds.

On February 22, 1600, Jean Fleming and the Earl of Cassilis hosted King James VI at Thirlestane Castle.

Challenges and Later Life

In 1604, the Earl of Cassilis was imprisoned twice for his actions towards Jean. In one incident, he pulled her from court in front of witnesses. The Privy Council of Scotland called his behavior "unmanerlie insolence," meaning very rude and improper. King James VI himself told the Privy Council to protect Jean's money and interests from her husband.

During this time, it was also claimed that a man named Hector Ferguson had attacked Jean Fleming and her servants. He supposedly chased her to Maybole Castle.

Jean Fleming and her son had rights over the town of Leith. The city council of Edinburgh wanted to buy these rights from her. They paid her a large sum of money for them.

Jean Fleming passed away in Edinburgh after being ill on June 23, 1609. She was buried in St Mary's Collegiate Church, Haddington.