Margaret Douglas, Countess of Arran facts for kids

Margaret Douglas was an important Scottish noblewoman. She was known as the Countess of Arran and Duchess of Châtellerault. She lived in Scotland during the 1500s.

Margaret was the daughter of James Douglas, 3rd Earl of Morton. Her mother was Catherine Stewart. Catherine was also the daughter of King James IV of Scotland. Margaret had two sisters, Beatrix and Elizabeth.

Early Life and Family Connections

Margaret Douglas likely spent her childhood at Dalkeith Castle. Her family was very powerful in Scotland. Her sister Beatrix married Robert Maxwell, 6th Lord Maxwell. Her other sister, Elizabeth, married James Douglas. He later became the 4th Earl of Morton and a powerful leader called the Regent of Scotland.

Family Health Challenges

It is known that Margaret and both of her sisters faced challenges with their mental health. This was mentioned by people who knew them at the time.

Marriage and Royal Connections

In 1532, Margaret Douglas married James Hamilton. At that time, he was the Earl of Arran. His half-brother helped arrange the marriage. As part of the marriage agreement, Margaret received lands in West Lothian. These lands included Kinneil House, Bo'ness, and Inveravon. She also gained control over coal mines and salt pans in the area.

Lady Governor's Wife

After King James V of Scotland died, his daughter Mary, Queen of Scots was still a baby. Margaret's husband, James Hamilton, became the Regent of Scotland. This meant he ruled the country until Mary was old enough. Margaret was sometimes called the "Lady Governor." This showed her important position as the Regent's wife. Records show that some of her clothes were bought using money from the royal treasury during this time.

Life at Kinneil House

Margaret Douglas often stayed at Kinneil House. She was there in December 1546. Her husband, the Earl of Arran, also visited her there in February 1547. In September 1550, she was at Aberdour Castle.

Margaret's Wardrobe

In January 1549, some of Margaret's clothes were delivered to her husband. These included a fancy purple velvet nightgown. It had gold trim and was lined with red taffeta. She also had a black gown made of cloth of gold, also with gold trim. These clothes show the rich style of dress for noblewomen during that period.

Later Life and Legacy

Margaret Douglas passed away in 1579. She was an important figure in Scottish history. Her life was connected to many major events and powerful families of her time.

Children of Margaret Douglas

Margaret Douglas and James Hamilton had several children. They included:

• James Hamilton, 3rd Earl of Arran: He died in 1609.
• David Hamilton: He was held as a hostage in France for a period.
• John Hamilton, 1st Marquess of Hamilton (1540-1604)
• Claud Hamilton, 1st Lord Paisley (1546-1621)
• Anne Hamilton: She married George Gordon, 5th Earl of Huntly.
• Jean Hamilton: She was sent to be raised at the Abbey in Haddington in 1544. She later went to France with Mary, Queen of Scots in 1548. Jean married Hugh Montgomerie, 3rd Earl of Eglinton.
• Barbara Hamilton (died 1577): She married twice. First to Alexander, Lord Gordon, and then to James Fleming, 4th Lord Fleming.

Images for kids

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  An armorial stone at Kinneil House shows the coat of arms for Margaret Douglas' marriage. It features heraldry above a wild man with a club and the Douglas family motto "sickar" (sure) with a padlock.