Joan Beaufort, Queen of Scots facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Joan Beaufort |
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| Queen consort of Scotland | |
| Tenure | 2 February 1424 – 21 February 1437 |
| Coronation | 21 May 1424 |
| Born | c. 1404 |
| Died | 15 July 1445 Dunbar Castle, East Lothian, Scotland |
| Burial | Perth Charterhouse |
| Spouse | James I of Scotland (m. 1424, died 1437) |
| Issue Detail |
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| House | Beaufort |
| Father | John Beaufort, 1st Earl of Somerset |
| Mother | Margaret Holland |
Joan Beaufort (around 1404 – July 15, 1445) was the Queen of Scotland from 1424 to 1437. She was married to King James I of Scotland. After her husband's death, she became a regent for her young son, James II of Scotland, from 1437 to 1439.
Contents
Joan's Early Life and Family
Joan Beaufort was the daughter of John Beaufort, 1st Earl of Somerset. Her mother was Margaret Holland. This made her a half-niece of King Henry IV of England.
King James I of Scotland met Joan when he was held prisoner in England. He knew her from at least 1420. Some people believe Joan was the inspiration for James's famous poem, The Kingis Quair. He supposedly wrote it during his time in prison after seeing her in a garden.
Their marriage was also important for political reasons. It was part of the deal for James's release from being a prisoner. England hoped this marriage would make Scotland an ally of England, instead of France. As part of the agreement, Joan's dowry (money or property given by the bride's family) of 10,000 merks was taken off James's large ransom.
Becoming Queen of Scotland
Joan Beaufort and King James were married on February 12, 1424. Their wedding took place at St Mary Overie Church in Southwark, England. Her uncle, Cardinal Henry Beaufort, hosted a feast for them at Winchester Palace.
Joan traveled with her husband back to Scotland. She was crowned Queen alongside him at Scone Abbey. As queen, Joan often asked the king to show mercy to people who might be punished or executed.
The royal couple had eight children together. Their children included the future King James II of Scotland. Another child was Margaret of Scotland, who later married Louis XI of France.
Joan as Regent of Scotland
King James I was killed in Perth on February 21, 1437. Joan was also attacked during this event but managed to escape with injuries. She quickly helped her husband's supporters find and attack his killer, Walter Stewart, Earl of Atholl.
However, Joan had to give up her power as regent three months later. Many people in Scotland did not want to be ruled by an English woman. So, the Earl of Douglas was given power instead. Even so, Joan remained in charge of her young son, James II.
In July 1439, Joan married James Stewart, the Black Knight of Lorne. She needed special permission from the Pope to marry him because they were distantly related. James Stewart was an ally of the new Earl of Douglas. They planned together to try and remove Alexander Livingston, who was the governor of Stirling Castle, while James II was still a child.
Joan's Children
Joan had children with both of her husbands.
Children with James I of Scotland
- Margaret Stewart (1424–1445): She married Prince Louis, who later became King Louis XI of France.
- Isabella Stewart, Princess of Scotland (1426–1494): She married Francis I, Duke of Brittany.
- Mary Stewart, Countess of Buchan (died 1465): She married Wolfart VI van Borsselen.
- Joan of Scotland, Countess of Morton (around 1428–1486): She married James Douglas, 1st Earl of Morton.
- Alexander Stewart, Duke of Rothesay (born and died 1430): He was the twin of James.
- James II of Scotland (1430–1460): He became the next King of Scotland.
- Annabella Stewart, Princess of Scotland: She married and later divorced Louis of Savoy, Count of Geneva. She then married and divorced George Gordon, 2nd Earl of Huntly.
- Eleanor Stewart, Princess of Scotland (1433–1484): She married Sigismund, Archduke of Austria.
Children with James Stewart, the Black Knight of Lorne
- John Stewart, 1st Earl of Atholl (around 1440 – 1512)
- James Stewart, 1st Earl of Buchan (1442 – 1499)
- Andrew Stewart, Bishop of Moray (around 1443 – 1501)
See also
In Spanish: Juana Beaufort para niños
