Lilias Grant facts for kids

Lady Lilias Grant (born Lilias Murray, died 1643 or 1644) was an important Scottish woman who wrote many letters. She was also a leading figure, or "matriarch," of the Grant family from Freuchie.

Her Family and Early Life

Lilias Murray was the second daughter of Sir John Murray of Tullibardine. Her father was a powerful man who worked for the King. He was called the Master of the King's Household. This meant he managed the King's home and staff. In 1606, he became the Earl of Tullibardine. Lilias's mother was Catherine Drummond.

A Royal Wedding Guest

Lilias Murray married John Grant, who was the Laird (or lord) of Freuchie. Their marriage agreement was signed on April 15, 1591.

It is said that King James the Sixth and his Queen, Anne of Denmark, attended their wedding. The King even took part in a special performance called a "masque." This was like a play with music, dancing, and costumes. King James wore a Venetian mask and a costume made of red and pink fabric.

The wedding took place at Tullibardine Castle on June 21 and 22. After the wedding, King James went back to Edinburgh. Queen Anne traveled alone to Perth, where she was welcomed with a special ceremony.

Why Women Kept Their Names

In early modern Scotland, which was a time long ago, married women usually did not change their last names. So, Lilias continued to be known as "Lilias Murray" even after she married John Grant.

Life at Castle Grant

Lady Lilias lived at Castle Grant, which was then called Freuchie Castle. Sometimes she lived at Ballachastell, a place near Inverness. Records show that she was a very strong and active person.

She was very involved in the daily life and important matters of the Grant family. Her family and neighbors respected her greatly. A famous writer named Taylor the Water-Poet visited Lady Lilias and her husband in 1618. He was very impressed by her. He wrote that she was "plentifully endowed with the gifts of grace and nature," meaning she was kind and naturally talented.

Her Love for Books

Lady Lilias enjoyed reading. She had a good collection of books for her time. We know this from two lists of books she wrote herself. Her library included important books like those by St. Augustine and "The Imitation of Christ." These were religious and philosophical books.

Two poems are also found in the Grant family papers. Some people think Lilias Murray might have written them, or perhaps she just copied them. These poems are about love and a type of performance called a "mumchance," which was like a costume party or play.

A Shortage of Sugar

Lady Lilias bought sugar for her home from a town called Elgin. In 1640, there was a shortage of sugar. This was because of the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, which made it hard for ships to travel and trade.

She wrote about this problem, saying that sugar had become much harder to find. She hoped for better times.

Lady Lilias lived for 21 years after her husband passed away. She died in late 1643 or early 1644. She also outlived her son, Sir John Grant, who died in 1637. Her last will was written on December 30, 1643.