Margaret Douglas, Countess of Bothwell facts for kids

Margaret Douglas, Countess of Bothwell (died 1640) was an important Scottish noblewoman who lived a long time ago. She was a daughter of David Douglas, 7th Earl of Angus and Margaret Hamilton. Her family was well-connected in Scotland.

Her First Marriage and Family

Margaret Douglas first married Walter Scott of Branxholme & Buccleuch. This marriage was helpful for the Scott family because Margaret's uncle was Regent Morton, a powerful leader in Scotland at the time.

Margaret and Walter had several children:

• Walter Scott, who later became Lord Scott of Buccleuch.
• Margaret Scott.
• Mary Scott, who married William Elliott of Lariston.

After Walter Scott passed away in 1574, Margaret continued important work. She finished rebuilding Branxholme Castle in 1576. She even had this achievement carved into the stone of the building!

Becoming the Countess of Bothwell

On December 1, 1577, Margaret married her second husband, Francis Stewart, 5th Earl of Bothwell. He was a powerful but sometimes troublesome nobleman. After their wedding, the new Earl was not allowed to be near his wife for a while because he was still very young.

Life at Court

Margaret was involved in important events. In June 1588, she hosted English officers from Berwick at Coldingham. During dinner, the Scottish gentlemen toasted James VI and wished for revenge for the death of his mother, Mary, Queen of Scots. One English officer replied that it was good Mary was gone, calling her a "usurper." Margaret bravely questioned him about these serious matters of state.

Her daughter, Elizabeth Stewart, was born in 1590. The English diplomat Robert Bowes gave a special gift of a silver ewer and basin for the baptism.

At the special event for the coronation of Anne of Denmark in 1590, Margaret had an important role. She, along with other noblewomen like the Countess of Mar, helped carry the long train of the queen's gown.

Challenges and Loyalty

Margaret's husband, the Earl of Bothwell, often got into trouble with James VI. He was accused of serious things, including "conspiring the king's death by sorcery" during the North Berwick Witch Trials. In April 1591, Margaret had another son while Bothwell was held in Edinburgh Castle. She tried to speak to him and asked the Chancellor John Maitland to help her husband. However, the Chancellor refused to get involved in matters concerning plots against the king.

Margaret showed great loyalty to her husband. She even convinced William Stewart of Houston to take a letter from Bothwell to the king at Stirling Castle, hoping to get Bothwell back into the king's good graces. However, William Stewart was arrested.

In October 1591, Margaret spoke "bitter words" to Chancellor Maitland and the Earl of Huntly because of their treatment of her husband. She was then ordered to leave Leith and go to Aberdeen. People believed her strong words had ended the friendship between Bothwell and Maitland.

Supporting Her Husband

Margaret continued to support her husband even when he was a rebel. In December 1591, Bothwell broke into Holyrood House. It was said that Margaret was waiting nearby with jewels and money, ready to join the queen if Bothwell succeeded.

In November 1592, Margaret bravely knelt before King James VI on the street as he went to Edinburgh Castle. After some lords spoke in her favor, she was allowed to kiss the king's hand, even though he spoke harshly about her and her husband. She was pregnant at the time, and many people cheered for her. The king later made a public statement against her for supporting her rebellious husband.

In July 1593, Bothwell again entered Holyroodhouse. It was believed that Margaret had helped arrange this by talking to other powerful noblewomen and lords, getting their support for her husband's actions.

Even when Bothwell was in hiding, Margaret tried to help him. In September 1595, she received a letter from the king after "prostrating herself" (kneeling down) before him. However, she publicly announced the letter, which was not what the king intended. He only meant for her to live peacefully at Moss Tower.

Later Life and Family

Margaret Douglas wanted the best for her children, even when her husband had grand plans for revenge against his enemies. In 1602, she told a kinsman that she wanted her two eldest sons to study at the University of Cambridge. This would also show the king that they were not involved in their father's rebellious ideas.

Margaret Douglas passed away in 1640 and was buried at Eckford.

Her children with Francis Stewart, Earl of Bothwell, included:

• Francis Stewart (born 1584).
• John Stewart.
• Frederick Stewart.
• Henry Stewart.
• Elizabeth Stewart (born 1590), who married James, Master of Cranstoun. They were the parents of William Cranstoun, 3rd Lord Cranstoun.
• Helen Stewart, who married John Macfarlane.
• Jean Stewart, who married Robert Elliot of Redheugh.
• Margaret Stewart, who married Alan Cathcart, 5th Lord Cathcart.

Margaret and her husband also had dealings with the famous goldsmith George Heriot for jewelry.