Elizabeth Mure facts for kids

Elizabeth Mure was an important Scottish noblewoman who lived in the 1300s. She was born around March 2, 1320, and passed away before May 1355. Elizabeth was the first wife of Robert II of Scotland, who later became the King of Scotland.

Their marriage was not first approved by the church. This kind of marriage is sometimes called a common-law marriage. Because of this, some people at the time thought Elizabeth was just his mistress. However, they later officially remarried in a church.

Elizabeth Mure's Life

Early Years and Family

Elizabeth Mure was likely born at Rowallan Castle in Ayrshire, Scotland. Her parents were Sir Adam Mure of Rowallan and Janet Mure of Pokelly. Her family, the Mures, were part of Clan Muir. They believed they were related to important historical figures. This included Fergus of Galloway, a powerful lord, and even King Henry I of England through his daughter.

Marriage and Family Life

In 1336, Elizabeth married Robert Stewart. At that time, Robert was the High Steward of Scotland. Their first marriage was not seen as proper by the church. To fix this, they remarried in 1349. This second marriage happened after they received special permission from the Pope. This permission is called a papal dispensation.

Elizabeth and Robert had many children together. They had at least ten children, and some records say they had as many as thirteen. Because of the early questions about their marriage, there were some arguments later about whether their children could legally inherit the crown.

Later Years and Legacy

Elizabeth Mure died before her husband, Robert, became King of Scotland in 1371. After her death, Robert married again.

Her eldest son, John Stewart, later became King Robert III of Scotland. He changed his name from John to Robert when he became king. This was to avoid being linked to an earlier king named John, who was not popular. John was officially declared the heir to the Scottish crown in 1371.

Elizabeth's Children

Elizabeth Mure and Robert Stewart had several children who became important figures in Scotland:

• Robert III (born around 1337 – died 1406): He was originally named John Stewart and became the Earl of Carrick. He later became King of Scotland.
• Walter Stewart, Lord of Fife (born around 1338 – died 1362)
• Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany (born around 1340 – died 1420)
• Alexander Stewart, Earl of Buchan (born 1343 – died around 1405)
• Margaret Stewart: She married John of Islay, Lord of the Isles.
• Marjorie Stewart: She married John Dunbar, Earl of Moray, and later Sir Alexander Keith.
• Johanna (Jean) Stewart: She married Sir John Keith, then Sir John Lyon, and later Sir James Sandilands.
• Isabella Stewart: She married James Douglas, 2nd Earl of Douglas, and later John Edmonstone.
• Katherine Stewart: She married Sir Robert Logan of Grugar and Restalrig.
• Elizabeth Stewart: She married Sir Thomas Hay.

See also

• Polnoon Castle - Elizabeth Mure was related to the Montgomerie family connected to this castle.