Glamis Castle is recognized as the family home of the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne, but women have played a major role in its history. Ranging from queens and princesses to countesses and businesswomen, botanists, composers, novelists, poets, philanthropists, servants and charity workers, the women of Glamis have inspiring stories to tell. Their lives have not always been easy, and this talk is a mark of respect for the notable and dynamic women who have lived at or been associated with Glamis Castle over the centuries.

Women featured are Princess Johanna, great-granddaughter of King Robert the Bruce, who married Sir John Lyon in 1376; the ill-fated Janet Douglas, Lady Glamis, who was burnt at the stake in 1537; Mary, Queen of Scots, who visited Glamis in 1562; the wealthy and highly educated 18 th century heiress, Mary Eleanor Bowes, who paved the way for the rights of women in her landmark divorce case; the heroine nursemaid, Annie Jackson, who saved the life of the 13 th Earl’s grandson in 1885; the opera composer, Lady Mildred Bowes Lyon; Lilian Bowes Lyon, author/poet and ‘Queen of the Slums’, who sponsored two Jewish boys in the Second World War; and of course, The Queen Mother, The Queen and Princess Margaret, who was born at Glamis in 1930, as well as countless Countesses, who played more than a supporting role to their husbands.

19 Feb - 6.30pm