Lady Jean Stewart facts for kids

Lady Jean Stewart (also known as Jane Stuart) was born around 1533. She was a daughter of James V of Scotland, the King of Scotland, and Elizabeth Bethune.

Early Life and Royal Upbringing

Jean was born sometime between 1528 and 1537. Her mother, Elizabeth Bethune, was the daughter of Sir John Bethune.

As a baby, Lady Jean Stewart lived in the home of Mary of Guise, who was the Queen of Scotland and wife of King James V. She also spent time in the nursery with her half-brother, Prince James.

Records show that special items were bought for young Lady Jean. In September 1538, she received a colorful canopy for her bed. By March 1539, she was living with her half-brothers, "Lord James of Kelso" and "Lord James of Saint Andrews". She had fancy clothes, including a black velvet nightgown.

Jean moved with the royal court to different castles, like Stirling Castle and St Andrews. In July 1540, she was given silks and cloth to practice embroidery. She also received books, including a missal and a matins book, in December 1540.

Marriage and Life as a Countess

On July 1, 1553, Jean married Archibald Campbell, 5th Earl of Argyll. Queen Mary of Guise gave her special clothes as a wedding gift. Jean and Archibald later separated in 1573.

During her marriage, Jean lived at Dunoon Castle for a time. Her half-sister, Mary, Queen of Scots, visited her there in 1563. Queen Mary gave Jean a generous allowance of £150 Scots three times a year.

In December 1563, Jean was at Holyrood Palace. The ambassador Thomas Randolph gave her a diamond ring for Queen Mary, which was a gift from Elizabeth I of England.

On March 9, 1566, Jean Stewart was present at Holyroodhouse when Queen Mary's secretary, David Rizzio, was killed. She and her mother, Elizabeth, witnessed this event.

At the baptism of Prince James (who would become King James VI) in December 1566, Jean was a godmother. She represented the English ambassador, the Earl of Bedford, and received a valuable ruby ring.

After the "lang siege" of Edinburgh Castle in 1573, Lady Jean was held captive. She asked not to be sent back to her husband. The English ambassador, Henry Killigrew, reported that she was living comfortably in June 1574.

Later Years and Passing

In May 1583, Jean became ill and thought about traveling to France for treatment.

Lady Jean Stewart passed away on January 7, 1588, at her home in Edinburgh. She was buried next to her father, King James V, in the royal vault at Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh.