Elizabeth Katherine CARMICHAEL

" . . . Katherine, daughter of Sir John Carmichael of Meadowflat, captain of Crawford, (was) one of the mistresses of James V. In that curious book, 'The Memorie of the Somervilles,' published in 1815, 2 vols., from the original manuscripts, many interesting notices are given of the royal visits to Cowthally, Lord Somerville's seat in the parish of Carnwath; and especially of the flirtations of James V with 'Mistress Katherine Carmichael, the captain of Crawfuird's daughter, a young lady much about sexteinth years of age, admired for her beautie, handsomeness of persone, and vivacity of spirit.." . . . Alluding to 'Mistress Katherine's' connexion with the king, the author thus concludes an admirable defence of her --- 'Thus far I have digressed in vindication of this excellent lady that it may appear it was nether her choyse nor any vitious habite that prevailed over her chastitite, but ane inevitable fate that the strongest resistance could hardly withstant.' She died in 1552. . . . " (The Scottish Nation, Volume 3: 488-489) Note: James V would have been eighteen when he had sexual relations with the sixteen year old Katherine, aka Elizabeth, resulting in her pregnancy.

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