Marie MacLeod facts for kids
Marie MacLeod was a Scottish noblewoman who lived at the time of Mary, Queen of Scots. She was an important person in the queen's royal household.
Who Was Marie MacLeod?
Marie MacLeod was the daughter of William MacLeod of Harris. She was also the granddaughter of a famous clan leader named Alasdair Crotach MacLeod. Marie was expected to inherit her father's position. People sometimes spelled her name "McCloyde" or "McCloid." She is known as a Chief of the Clan McLeod, a powerful family in Scotland.
Joining the Queen's Court
In 1562, Marie's father passed away. Mary, Queen of Scots then sent orders for Marie to come to her in Edinburgh. A man named Kenyeouth MacKenzie was told to bring Marie to the queen. Another person, James McConeill, also wanted to be in charge of Marie. However, MacKenzie successfully brought Marie to the queen's court.
Life as a Lady-in-Waiting
Once Marie arrived, she joined the queen's household. She became a "lady of the chamber." This meant she worked closely with the queen. She helped the queen and lived in the royal palace.
Queen Mary often bought clothes for Marie. On Christmas Eve in 1562, Marie received black velvet for a riding hood. She also got silk fabric for a petticoat and sleeves. In February 1563, she was given a type of cloth called plaiding. She also received a farthingale, which was a hoop skirt.
In March 1565, Queen Mary ordered another outfit for Marie. It was made of scarlet stemming, a type of woollen cloth. This included a cloak and a special skirt front. Marie and another young woman, Margaret Fame, were given black stemming clothes. They were maidens in the queen's chamber. They even had sheets and a mattress to sleep near the queen.
