Governess to the Queen......

[Paulc]

As is usual with family history there is always a story that grabs the attention. On my wife's side, I was told that one of their ancestors was a governess to the Queen (didn't say which Queen though). I have tried various google searches, but it could any number of possible surnames, the only other thing I have is that they would have been in Scotland. Anybody any ideas or helpful advice on where to look.

thanks
paul

[WendyPusey]

Have you tried Google. There are one or two names that come up if you search for "Governess to the Queen"

[Paulc]

i have tried a few searches on google but i dont know exactly what surname of what part of the tree it is. The names I am looking at in scotland are, Jack, Orr, Hose, Kirk, McCracken, Dickie and McClure. I have tried all those with the words governess to the queen but didnt get any specific hits..........thanks for replying......xxxx

[Little Nell]

Wouldn't surprise me if it turned out to be a Mrs. Queen and no connection to royalty at all.

My Dad was told his grandmother had been a cook at Hampton Court Palace. Well she did work as a cook - in East Molesey which is next door to Hampton Court - but not at the Palace. And in any case it had long since ceased to be inhabited by royalty.

He was also told his uncle was in charge of Tilbury Docks - well, no, he was a fireman who worked there for 2 years.

[Paulc]

lol.............thats funny.........your probably right i can just see her waiting on a Mrs Queen

[hughar]

On my wife's side, I was told that one of their ancestors was a governess to the Queen (didn't say which Queen though).

Maybe you should try to find out who the possible governesses were from royal biographies.

Here's the list of Queens for the past 200+ years.

Elizabeth II (Elizabeth of York) b.1926)
Elizabeth Bowes Lyon b.1900
Mary of Teck, b.1867
Alexandra of Denmark, b.1844 - brought up in Denmark
Victoria b.1819.
Adelaide of Saxe Meiningen, b.1792 - brought up in Germany
Caroline of Brunswick, b. 1768 - brought up in Germany

Only four of the Queens on that list were brought up in the UK, and since the present Queen is probably too recent, that brings the number you have to research down to three.

[Paulc]

great idea, actually hadnt thought of looking at it back to front so to speak like this. I shall look into it, thanks for the tip

[Olde Crone Holden]

Marion Crawford was Scottish, born Dunfermline 1909 and was Governess to Elizabeth 2nd and Princess Margaret.

OC

[Paulc]

I think I might need some books or go to the library for more info.............thanks to all for your input

[Kit]

My family story is that the family were pharmacists who originated from Scotland.

To date my 4g grandfather was, at one stage, a travelling chemist from Yorkshire. I'm guessing he may have travelled to Scotland.

But good luck your story may be true.

[Paulc]

Thanks Kit, I shall keep you all posted and let you know if I find a royal connection

[kylejustin]

when i saw the thread title, my first thought was it related to mary queen of scots. maybe this is further back than you think? do you have any hint of a time frame? i just recently cracked into a new line, that has nobility from her time, i was astounded what these particular ancestors had got up to!! maybe you need a list of all scottish and english queens, regnant or otherwise, back to the early 1500's?

[kylejustin]

just a thought, governess may turn out to be a nurse, or a lady's maid, or maybe someone who just cleaned out the royal potty!!

[Paulc]

Thanks Kyle..............its just a family rumour at the moment, which is even harder to crack as they dont even know which family name the rumour belongs to.........!!!!

[Caroline]

maybe you need a list of all scottish and english queens, regnant or otherwise, back to the early 1500's?

Our own Timeline lists them, and lots more besides - The Timeline - Family Tree Forum.

[Paulc]

thanks caroline its a good place to start from.............ill let you know when i find my blue blood.........lol