Barbara Ruthven

Barbara Ruthven (died 1625) was a Scottish courtier and favourite of Anne of Denmark, expelled from court after the death of her brother. Barbara Ruthven was a daughter of William Ruthven, 1st Earl of Gowrie and Dorothea Stewart, the oldest daughter of Henry Stewart, 1st Lord Methven and Janet Stewart, daughter of John Stewart, 2nd Earl of Atholl. Career She was a maid of honour to Anne of Denmark with her sister Beatrix. Beatrix had a prominent role at the christening of Princess Elizabeth in November 1596, for which the queen bought her a gown of figured black velvet with white sleeves and a yellow damask skirt. Christene Ruthven, another gentlewoman listed in the queen's household may have been another sister. Their sister Elizabeth was married to Robert Gordon of Lochinvar. James Hudson noted Barbara having a secret conversation with the Scottish ambassador Robert Crichton, 8th Lord Crichton of Sanquhar in May 1597. Beatrix Ruthven was also a significant political figure at court, and was given a present by "McSorley", Sir James MacDonell of Dunluce, in October 1598.