Mary Seton facts for kids

Mary Seton (1542–1615) was a Scottish noblewoman who served in a royal court. She later became a nun. Mary was one of the four special helpers of Mary, Queen of Scots. These four young women were famously known as "The Four Marys." Mary Seton was a sister at a convent in France when she died.

Early Life and Time in France

Mary Seton was the daughter of George Seton, 6th Lord Seton. Her mother, Marie Pieris, was a lady-in-waiting to Mary of Guise. Mary of Guise was the mother of Mary, Queen of Scots.

When Mary Seton was a child, she became a lady-in-waiting to the young Mary, Queen of Scots. Three other girls joined them: Mary Beaton, Mary Fleming, and Mary Livingston. Together, they were known as "The Four Marys."

The Four Marys went with Queen Mary to France. There, Queen Mary later married the Dauphin, who became King Francis II of France. Mary Seton was the only one of the Four Marys who never married. She stayed with Queen Mary, serving her in Scotland and later when the Queen was held captive in England.

Returning to Scotland

After Queen Mary returned to Scotland in 1561, Mary Seton continued to serve her.

In 1567, Queen Mary's army was defeated at the battle of Carberry Hill. Mary Seton stayed with the Queen, who was now a prisoner. Mary Seton helped the Queen escape from Lochleven Castle. She dressed in the Queen's clothes and stood at a window. This made it look like the Queen was still inside. Meanwhile, Queen Mary fled to the mainland in a small boat. After another battle, the Queen went to England.

Life in England

Mary Seton was known for her skill in styling hair. Sir Francis Knollys, who was in charge of Queen Mary at Carlisle Castle, wrote about Mary Seton's talent. He said she was the best at styling women's hair. She could create new hairstyles often without much cost.

At first, Mary Seton had her own room with two beds. One bed was for her maid, Janet Spittell. She also had a male servant named John Dumfries.

In 1569, Mary Seton often sat and sewed with Queen Mary. They would be in the room of Bess of Hardwick, the wife of the Earl of Shrewsbury.

Later, when Queen Mary moved to Sheffield Castle in 1571, Mary Seton stayed with her. However, her servant John Dumfries had to leave. Janet Spittle was sent back to Scotland. Mary Seton then had an older servant, Janet Lindsay.

Life as a Nun in France

Around 1585, Mary Seton left Queen Mary's service in England. She moved to the Convent of Saint-Pierre in Reims, France. The head of this convent was Renée de Guise. She was the sister of Mary of Guise and the aunt of Mary, Queen of Scots.

Mary Seton wrote a letter in 1608. She mentioned that her right arm was paralyzed. She wrote in French because she had forgotten most of her English. She called herself a "poor recluse in a monastery." She died at the convent in 1615.