Mary of Modena

Queen

Birthday October 5, 1658

Birth Sign Libra

Birthplace Modena, Italy

DEATH DATE May 7, 1718 (59)

#157395 Most Popular

About

Born Marie Beatrice d'Este, she was the Queen of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1865 to 1888. She was the second wife of James II and VII, the younger brother of Charles II of England. She is known for rumors that her son, James Edward, may have been smuggled into birthing chambers in a bedpan and assumed to be her own child in order to secure a line of succession.

Before Fame

She was born in Italy and moved to England following her marriage by proxy at age 15. 

Trivia

Her nickname became "Queen over the water" when she was sent to exile in France. She became popular at Louis XIV's court at Versailles. 

Family Life

Two of her children survived into adulthood: James Francis Edward and Louisa Maria Teresa.

Associated With

During her move from Italy to England, she stopped in Paris and was greeted by Louis XIV who gifted her a brooch.