Mary Buick facts for kids
Mary Buick (born 4 July 1777, died 28 February 1854) was a brave Scottish nurse. She was aboard the famous ship HMS Victory with Vice-Admiral Nelson. When Nelson died during The Battle of Trafalgar, Mary helped prepare his body for its journey back home.
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Early Life in Scotland
Mary Buick was born in Dundee, Scotland. Her parents were Euphame Watson and Gideon Buick. Her father was a rope-maker.
When Mary was 20, she married Thomas Watson. He was a fisherman from Cellardyke, a small village in Scotland.
Joining HMS Ardent
Mary's husband, Thomas Watson, joined the Royal Navy. He became a Quartermaster and a gunner. Mary decided to join him on the ship as a nurse.
They were both on a ship called HMS Ardent. While off the coast of Copenhagen during a battle, Mary gave birth to their daughter. She named her daughter Mary, too.
On HMS Victory During Battle
Later, Thomas Watson moved to another ship, HMS Victory. This was Vice-Admiral Nelson's ship. Mary and their daughter went with him.
During the Battle of Trafalgar, Mary Buick worked hard. She cared for the wounded sailors. Her husband, Thomas, was in charge of a gun crew. Their daughter was looked after by another man, Malcolm McRuvie.
When Nelson was killed in the battle, Mary Buick had an important job. She helped prepare his body so it could be taken home. She likely did this with another woman, Mary Sperring. They cleaned Nelson's body and placed it in a large barrel of brandy. This helped keep the body safe for the long journey.
Later Life in Cellardyke
After her time at sea, Mary Buick lived in Cellardyke with her husband. Her husband, Thomas, used money he received from the Navy to open a public house. This money was a reward for capturing or defeating enemy ships.
Mary and Thomas had more children. Mary lived for 28 years after her husband passed away.
Remembering Mary Buick
Mary Buick is remembered as part of the Dundee’s Women’s Trail. You can find a special blue plaque honoring her life. It is on the Frigate Unicorn at City Quay in Dundee. The HMS Unicorn was built after the Battle of Trafalgar. However, it shows what Royal Navy ships looked like around that time.
