British Aristocracy. Born in France, the daughter of the Honorable Walter Stuart, physician to the exiled English Queen, she returned to England with the Restoration. In 1662, she became a Maid of Honor to Charles II's bride, the Infanta of Portugal, Catherine, and then a Lady in Waiting to the new Queen. Reportedly, Charles became infatuated with the girl, but she resisted his advances. In 1664, after England won several naval victories against the Dutch, the king had medals struck depicting the figure of Britannia, he chose Frances for the model. Considered a great beauty, she had numerous suitors, eventually she eloped with Charles Stuart, a fourth cousin of the king and the 4th Duke of Richmond and 6th Duke of Lennox in March 1667. She fell out of favor at court for marrying without royal consent. About 1669 she became seriously ill with smallpox and the king reportedly rushed to her bedside and forgave her for marrying. Upon her recovery, she was appointed Lady of the Bedchamber for the Queen. The king appointed the duke ambassador to Denmark, but Frances stayed in England, managing the estate and business affairs. The duke died in December 1672 and as he had no heir his estates reverted to the Crown. Charles II granted Frances a 1000 pound pension per annum for life. In 1702 Frances arranged to purchase the estate of Lethington. She died that same year leaving her estate to her nephew Lord Blantyre who renamed Lethington Lennoxlove in her honor.
British Aristocracy. Born in France, the daughter of the Honorable Walter Stuart, physician to the exiled English Queen, she returned to England with the Restoration. In 1662, she became a Maid of Honor to Charles II's bride, the Infanta of Portugal, Catherine, and then a Lady in Waiting to the new Queen. Reportedly, Charles became infatuated with the girl, but she resisted his advances. In 1664, after England won several naval victories against the Dutch, the king had medals struck depicting the figure of Britannia, he chose Frances for the model. Considered a great beauty, she had numerous suitors, eventually she eloped with Charles Stuart, a fourth cousin of the king and the 4th Duke of Richmond and 6th Duke of Lennox in March 1667. She fell out of favor at court for marrying without royal consent. About 1669 she became seriously ill with smallpox and the king reportedly rushed to her bedside and forgave her for marrying. Upon her recovery, she was appointed Lady of the Bedchamber for the Queen. The king appointed the duke ambassador to Denmark, but Frances stayed in England, managing the estate and business affairs. The duke died in December 1672 and as he had no heir his estates reverted to the Crown. Charles II granted Frances a 1000 pound pension per annum for life. In 1702 Frances arranged to purchase the estate of Lethington. She died that same year leaving her estate to her nephew Lord Blantyre who renamed Lethington Lennoxlove in her honor.
Bio by: Iola
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