Euphemia II, Countess of Ross facts for kids

Euphemia II, also known as Euphemia Leslie, was an important noblewoman in Scotland. She was the daughter of Alexander Leslie, Earl of Ross and Isabella Stewart. Isabella was the daughter of Robert Stewart, 1st Duke of Albany. Euphemia was the only child of Earl Alexander. When her father passed away in 1402, she officially became the Countess of Ross. This meant she inherited the title and lands of the Earldom of Ross.

Who Was Euphemia II?

Euphemia II was born into a powerful Scottish family. Her father, Alexander Leslie, was the Earl of Ross. This was a very important position in Scotland. Her mother, Isabella Stewart, was also from a high-ranking family. Her grandfather, Robert Stewart, was the 1st Duke of Albany. He was a very influential figure in Scottish politics.

Becoming Countess of Ross

When Euphemia's father died in 1402, she was still young. She was his only child, so she was the rightful heir to his title. This meant she became the Countess of Ross. However, because she was young, she didn't immediately take full control of the earldom.

Under Her Grandfather's Care

After her father's death, Euphemia became a "ward" of her grandfather, Duke Robert Stewart of Albany. Being a ward meant that her grandfather was in charge of her and her lands until she was older. Because of this, Euphemia didn't have much power over the Earldom of Ross herself. Her grandfather, as the Governor of Scotland, made many decisions for her.

Challenges to the Earldom

The Earldom of Ross was a valuable and important territory. Many powerful families wanted control over it.

A Marriage That Didn't Happen

There was a plan to marry Euphemia to Thomas Dunbar, 6th Earl of Moray. He was the son of another important noble, Thomas Dunbar, 5th Earl of Moray. Marriages between noble families were often used to gain power or make alliances. However, this marriage never took place.

Giving Up the Earldom

Governor Albany, Euphemia's grandfather, convinced her to give up her title. She resigned the Earldom of Ross to his own second son, John Stewart, 2nd Earl of Buchan. This was a way for the Albany family to gain more control over important lands in Scotland.

The Lord of the Isles' Claim

Giving up the earldom caused a big problem. Domhnall of Islay, Lord of the Isles, believed he had a stronger claim to Ross. He claimed the earldom through his wife, Mariota. Mariota was also related to the previous Earls of Ross. Domhnall became a strong enemy of the Albany family because of this dispute. This disagreement over Ross led to major conflicts in Scotland.

Later Life

After giving up her earldom, Euphemia's life changed. She stepped away from public life and the world of politics.

Retiring to a Nunnery

Euphemia chose to retire to the nunnery of North Berwick. A nunnery is a place where religious women, called nuns, live and pray. This was a common choice for noblewomen who did not marry or who wished to live a quiet, religious life.

A Quiet End

After she entered the nunnery, Euphemia disappears from historical records. Some old stories suggest that she had a physical challenge, perhaps a curved spine. This might have been one reason why she didn't play a more active role in leading the earldom. She lived out her days in the peace of the nunnery.