Philadelphia Scrope facts for kids

Philadelphia, Lady Scrope (born Carey) was an important English noblewoman and courtier who lived in the late 1500s and early 1600s. She was a lady-in-waiting, meaning she helped and attended to Queen Elizabeth I and later Queen Anne.

Early Life and Family Connections

Philadelphia Carey was the daughter of Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon, a well-known nobleman. Her mother was Ann Morgan. Her brother, Robert Carey, held an important role as the governor, or tutor, for Prince Charles from 1605 to 1610. This shows her family had strong connections to the royal court.

Marriage and Family

In 1584, Philadelphia married Thomas Scrope, 10th Baron Scrope of Bolton. He later became a Knight of the Order of the Garter, which is a very high honor in England. They had one child together, named Emanuel Scrope, 1st Earl of Sunderland.

Life at Queen Elizabeth's Court

Lady Scrope was a lady of the bedchamber to Queen Elizabeth I. This meant she was one of the Queen's closest attendants. In November 1593, a young page who worked for Lady Scrope sadly died at Windsor Castle. Because of this, Queen Elizabeth worried about sickness spreading and thought about moving her royal household.

Lady Scrope also took part in special events at court. In August 1602, she was part of the Harefield Entertainment, a grand show for the Queen. During this event, she was given a mask, also called a vizard, as special lines were spoken to her.

Queen Elizabeth's Final Days

Lady Scrope was very close to Queen Elizabeth I, especially during the Queen's last days. She is mentioned in a story by Elizabeth Southwell, who described Lady Scrope as the Queen's special friend and confidante. When Queen Elizabeth died, Lady Scrope was given the Queen's ring. She then passed this ring to her brother, Robert Carey. He quickly rode to Scotland to give it to King James VI, who was about to become the new King of England. This was a very important moment, showing the transfer of power.

Welcoming the New Queen

After Queen Elizabeth's death, King James VI of Scotland became King James I of England. His wife, Queen Anne, traveled from Scotland to England. On May 2, 1603, Lady Scrope, along with several other important noblewomen like Anne, Countess of Worcester, Frances, Countess of Kildare, and Penelope, Lady Rich, traveled to Berwick-upon-Tweed. They went there to officially welcome Queen Anne to England, following instructions from the Privy Council. Queen Anne arrived in Berwick on May 9. Some of these women had even traveled into Scotland earlier to meet her.

Later Life and Legacy

Lady Scrope's husband, Thomas Scrope, passed away in 1609. Lady Scrope herself died on February 3, 1627. They were both buried at St Andrews Church in Langar, Nottinghamshire.