Jean Lyon, Countess of Angus facts for kids

Jean Lyon was an important Scottish noblewoman who lived a long time ago. She was known as the Countess of Angus. She was involved in some interesting events during her life, including a time when people talked about magic. She was the daughter of John Lyon, 8th Lord Glamis, and Elizabeth Abernethy.

Jean Lyon's Marriages

Jean Lyon was married three times during her life.

First Marriage

Her first husband was Robert Douglas. He was known as the Master of Morton. They had a son named William. Sadly, Robert was lost at sea in 1585.

Second Marriage

Her second husband was Archibald Douglas. He was the Earl of Angus. They had a daughter named Margaret Douglas.

Third Marriage

Her third husband was Alexander Lindsay. He was known as Lord Spynie.

Suspicions of Magic

The Earl of Angus, Jean's second husband, passed away in 1588. At that time, some people wondered if magic had played a part in his death.

In 1591, a woman named Barbara Napier was accused of using magic. One of the accusations was that she had asked another woman, Agnes Sampson, to use magic to help Jean Lyon during her pregnancy. Barbara Napier was also accused of trying to use magic to make Jean Lyon like her more. However, Barbara was found not guilty of using magic to cause the Earl of Angus's death. It is not clear what happened to Barbara Napier after that.

Jean Lyon had a daughter in December 1588. This led to some disagreements about who would inherit the Earl of Angus's title and lands.

A Royal Jewel

In 1590, a valuable royal jewel was returned to the Scottish government. This jewel was a diamond set in gold and was worth a lot of money.

A man named James Lumsden said he had received the jewel from Jean Lyon. He had used it to get a loan from a merchant in Edinburgh. He stated he did not know it was a royal jewel. This jewel might have left the royal collection many years before, during a time of conflict.

Life with Lord Spynie

King James VI encouraged Jean Lyon to marry Lord Spynie. He even wrote letters to both of them to help their marriage happen.

In late 1590, Jean Lyon and Lord Spynie welcomed King James VI and Queen Anne to their home at Aberdour.

Jean and Lord Spynie had two sons, Alexander and John (who died young). They also had two daughters, Anne and Margaret. Anne married Sir Robert Graham, and Margaret married John Erskine.

In 1592, an English diplomat named Robert Bowes mentioned Jean Lyon. He said she was connected to James Lumsden, who supported the Earl of Bothwell. It was thought that Jean Lyon had spoken with the Earl of Bothwell at Aberdour Castle. Bowes wrote that Lord Spynie was trying to get money from Lumsden that he owed to Jean Lyon.