Margaret Clement facts for kids
Margaret Clement (born Giggs, 1508–1570) was an incredibly smart woman from the Tudor era in England. She was like a daughter to Sir Thomas More, a very important person in the king's court. Margaret was known for being one of the most educated women of her time, which was quite rare back then.
Margaret Clement's Early Life and Education
Margaret Giggs was born in 1508. Her father was a gentleman from Norfolk. When she was young, Sir Thomas More became her guardian and raised her in his home. She grew up alongside More's own daughter, who was also named Margaret.
Sir Thomas More believed that girls should receive a good education, just like boys. He made sure Margaret Clement learned many subjects. She studied things like theology (the study of religion) and philosophy (the study of knowledge and existence). She was especially good at Greek language and mathematics, particularly algebra.
Many smart teachers helped Margaret learn. These included John Clement, whom she later married, and Nicholas Kratzer, a famous astronomer. Her amazing skills in Greek were even noticed by a Spanish scholar named Juan Luis Vives.
A Brave and Loyal Woman
Margaret Clement was very devoted to her Catholic faith. She showed great courage during a difficult time in England. She risked her own safety to help a group of monks called the Carthusian Martyrs. These monks were held in prison and starved because they refused to give up their beliefs.
Margaret also showed deep loyalty to Sir Thomas More. When he was imprisoned in the Tower of London, he sent her a special "algorism stone" that she used for math. He sent it to her the day before he was executed in 1535. After his death, Margaret bravely got the shirt he wore during his execution. She kept it carefully as a relic, which is something precious kept because of its connection to a holy person.
Later Life and Legacy
Margaret Clement remained a faithful Catholic throughout her life. Because of her beliefs, she eventually had to leave England. She went to live in Mechelen, a city in what is now Belgium. She passed away there on July 6, 1570.
Margaret had two children. Her daughter, Winifred, married William Rastell, who was a judge and also Sir Thomas More's nephew. Another daughter, also named Margaret Clement, became a leader of a convent in Leuven, another city in Belgium. Margaret Clement is remembered as a brilliant and brave woman who stood by her beliefs during a challenging time in history.
