Born in Grenada, Nancy was the daughter of George Stephens, an estate manager on Diamond plantation. Both its owner, William Smith, and George Stephens were close friends of Ninian Home. Nancy’s mother is said to have looked after Ninian, during a severe illness and helped him recover.

During Nancy’s early years she was looked after a nanny called Kate who was an enslaved Black woman. Nancy would have witnessed the treatment that enslaved people encountered daily in a domestic and agricultural setting.

Following her father’s death (October 1787), Nancy, aged five, was brought to Scotland to be cared for by Ninian’s brother, George, and aunt, Jean Home. This replica dress made of muslin with a satin ribbon and satin-covered buttons is based upon typical genteel children’s wear of the period.