ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the creative-patron argument while expanding its scope to include Princess Elizabeth Stuart, a woman whose personality and musical abilities impacted the development of English music in a novel way. Closely examined are the crucial years before her marriage beginning with her education in the care of Lord Harington and the time she was a pupil of the musician John Marchant, and later John Bull. Music always seems to have been associated with gentility and found suitable for young maidens. By the early seventeenth century music was seen as a profitable means by which a socially ambitious young woman could snare a noble spouse. Elizabeth was born on 16 August 1596 at Falkland Palace. Like her brother Prince Henry, Elizabeth was immediately placed in the care of Lord and Lady Livington at Linlithgow, in accordance with the usual practice of charging a trustworthy member of the aristocracy with the responsibility of raising the royal children.
