Jean Gordon (Scottish Gypsy)

Jean Gordon (1670 to 1746) was born into one of the Gypsy tribes of Kirk Yetholm. She died in Carlisle in 1746.[1]

Jean Gordon
Born1670
Died1746
Carlisle, England
Cause of deathMurdered by drowning
Known for
  • Jacobite supporter of Bonnie Prince Charlie
  • The inspiration for Sir Walter Scott's character Meg Merrilies

Biography edit

Gordon, who was 6 feet tall, was said to be the inspiration for Sir Walter Scott's character Meg Merrilies in his novel Guy Mannering.[2]

In 1732, aged 62, she was charged at Jedburgh Court for 'being an Egyptian' and plea bargained to leave Scotland.[1]

Gordon was drowned in Carlisle, by an angry mob, for the support she voiced for the Jacobite cause and Bonnie Prince Charlie.[1][2]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c Ewan, Elizabeth; Pipes, Rose; Rendall, Jane; Reynolds, Siân, eds. (2018). The new biographical dictionary of Scottish women. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press. p. 164-165. ISBN 978-1-4744-3628-1.
  2. ^ a b Smith, Kenny (2019-10-11). "Charles Faa Blythe - the last king of Scotland's gypsies". Scottish Field. Retrieved 2023-07-25.