Queen Victoria and John Brown

Desperate to help the grieving queen, the royal physician suggested that she go horseback riding to improve her health. He sent for the groom from the queens stables in Scotland. John Brown arrived in early 1865.The handsome thirtynine year old sported a kilt and had a straightforward, somewhat rough way of talking with the queen. She responded well to him and began venturing out in public for the first time in years. Although it was clear that the queen was in better spirits since Browns arrival, he was unpopular with both the queens family and the public. Rumors abounded that the two were having an affair, but no proof has ever been found to support that notion.John Brown remained the queens servant until 1883, when he died of a streptococcal infection.