Sophia Stuart (1606)
Sophia Rosula Stuart (born June 22, 1606, in Greenwich at Palace of Placentia and died June 23, 1606) was the fourth daughter and last of nine children of James VI and I and Anne of Denmark.
Biography
Anne of Denmark prepared herself for childbirth at the Palace of Placentia, or Greenwich Palace. Her lady in waiting, Audrey Walsingham, bought linen and lacework to the value of £614 for her lying-in. Sophia Stuart was born early in the morning of 22 June 1606 . Anne was attended by a midwife, Alice Dennis, and a physician, Peter Chamberlen, who had both helped at the birth of Mary Stuart in April 1605. Chamberlen is thought to have been the inventor of birthing forceps. Anne gave him a diamond ring for his efforts.
Sophia grew "verye weake" and was baptised by James Montague, Dean of the Chapel Royal. She was named after her grandmother Sophie of Mecklenburg-Güstrow. Ninth and last child of James I of England and Queen Anne of Denmark, her body was carried on the Thames in a barge covered with black velvet to be buried in Westminster Abbey.
A cancelled tournament
There had been plans to hold a tournament at Greenwich to celebrate the birth and baptism. A challenge had been issued in the name of the "Four Knights Errant of the Fortunate Island" on 1 June 1606. The comic text of the challenge made King James laugh. Sophia's uncle Christian IV of Denmark was expected to attend. The event was cancelled. Christian IV arrived in England and went to see his grieving sister at Greenwich on 18 July. Christian IV was entertained by the king at Theobalds while Anne remained at Greenwich. Before leaving England, he competed with King James at running at the ring.
Monument at Westminster Abbey
Sophia's monument at Westminster Abbey resembling a stone crib was designed by Maximilian Colt and painted and gilded by John de Critz. The tomb is finely carved with lacework. Its Latin inscription may be translated, "Sophia, a royal rosebud untimely plucked by Fate and from James, King of Great Britain, France and Ireland, and Queen Anne her parents, snatched away, to flower again in the rose garden of Christ, lies here. 23rd June, 4th year of the reign of King James 1606".
Biography
Anne of Denmark prepared herself for childbirth at the Palace of Placentia, or Greenwich Palace. Her lady in waiting, Audrey Walsingham, bought linen and lacework to the value of £614 for her lying-in. Sophia Stuart was born early in the morning of 22 June 1606 . Anne was attended by a midwife, Alice Dennis, and a physician, Peter Chamberlen, who had both helped at the birth of Mary Stuart in April 1605. Chamberlen is thought to have been the inventor of birthing forceps. Anne gave him a diamond ring for his efforts.
Sophia grew "verye weake" and was baptised by James Montague, Dean of the Chapel Royal. She was named after her grandmother Sophie of Mecklenburg-Güstrow. Ninth and last child of James I of England and Queen Anne of Denmark, her body was carried on the Thames in a barge covered with black velvet to be buried in Westminster Abbey.
A cancelled tournament
There had been plans to hold a tournament at Greenwich to celebrate the birth and baptism. A challenge had been issued in the name of the "Four Knights Errant of the Fortunate Island" on 1 June 1606. The comic text of the challenge made King James laugh. Sophia's uncle Christian IV of Denmark was expected to attend. The event was cancelled. Christian IV arrived in England and went to see his grieving sister at Greenwich on 18 July. Christian IV was entertained by the king at Theobalds while Anne remained at Greenwich. Before leaving England, he competed with King James at running at the ring.
Monument at Westminster Abbey
Sophia's monument at Westminster Abbey resembling a stone crib was designed by Maximilian Colt and painted and gilded by John de Critz. The tomb is finely carved with lacework. Its Latin inscription may be translated, "Sophia, a royal rosebud untimely plucked by Fate and from James, King of Great Britain, France and Ireland, and Queen Anne her parents, snatched away, to flower again in the rose garden of Christ, lies here. 23rd June, 4th year of the reign of King James 1606".
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