Marie Courcelles facts for kids
Marie Courcelles was a Scottish court official who lived in the 1500s. She worked as a chamberer, which was like a personal attendant, for Mary, Queen of Scots.
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Life of Marie Courcelles
Marie Courcelles came to Scotland from France in 1562. She joined Queen Mary's household, which was her group of staff and friends. Many other French people also worked for the Queen.
Marie's Role in the Queen's Household
Marie was one of the Queen's "chamber women." This meant she helped the Queen with her daily needs, like getting dressed. In May 1562, Queen Mary bought Marie new shoes, linen, and fabric for a skirt. She also received a farthingale, which was a hoop skirt worn under dresses.
In January 1563, Marie was called a "maiden in the Queen's chamber." She was given a fancy black velvet gown. By June 1566, she was described as a "maiden and femme" (woman) in the Queen's chamber. She received more silk and velvet for her clothes. In 1567, she was listed among the "femmes de chambre," showing her important role.
Marie likely had family members also working for the Queen. Toussaint Courcelles, a valet (male attendant) in the Queen's chamber, was probably her brother. Claude de Courcelles, a diplomat, was also likely a relative.
Marie and the Queen's Imprisonment
When Queen Mary was held prisoner at Lochleven Castle, Marie Courcelles went with her. Only a few trusted attendants were allowed to stay with the Queen. Marie was the French chamberer among them.
During this time, a special gold jewel was sent to Queen Mary. It showed a lion and a mouse, like in Aesop's famous fable, The Lion and the Mouse. Marie Courcelles described this jewel. It was a secret message of hope. The fable teaches that even a small mouse can help a big lion by nibbling away the ropes of a net. This jewel hinted that the Queen could still escape.
Helping the Queen Escape
Marie Courcelles played a very important part in Queen Mary's escape from Lochleven Castle. She helped plan the escape with George Douglas and Willie Douglas.
On Sunday, May 2, 1568, Marie was the one who received the keys from Willie Douglas. She then led the Queen to a secret back gate. A boat was waiting there to take them away to safety. After the Queen escaped, Marie Courcelles stayed behind at Lochleven Castle with another attendant, Mary Seton. One story says that Queen Mary even swapped clothes with one of her older maids to help her escape unnoticed.
Life in Exile
After her escape, Marie Courcelles joined Queen Mary in exile at Sheffield Castle. In November 1569, a list of Queen Mary's household showed that Marie Courcelles and Mary Bruce often slept in the Queen's own bedchamber. This shows how close she was to the Queen.
Marie Courcelles later asked to retire and return to France. She made this request in December 1581 and again in April 1583. It is thought that she might have gone with Mary Seton when she retired to Reims in 1583.
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