Margaret Douglas, Fair Maid of Galloway facts for kids
Margaret Douglas, Countess of Douglas (died around 1474), was a powerful Scottish noblewoman. She was known as the Fair Maid of Galloway. Margaret was part of the Black Douglas family, which was a very important family in Scotland during her time.
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Who Was Margaret Douglas?
Margaret Douglas was a significant figure in Scottish history. She lived in the 15th century, a time when powerful families often shaped the country's future. Her story shows how noblewomen could gain influence and wealth.
Her Family and Early Life
Margaret was the daughter of Archibald Douglas, 5th Earl of Douglas. Her mother was Eupheme Graham. Eupheme's parents were Patrick Graham, Earl of Strathearn, and Euphemia Stewart, Countess of Strathearn.
Margaret gained control of a large area called Galloway. This happened after her two brothers died at a famous event known as the Black Dinner. This event took place at Edinburgh Castle. One of her brothers was William Douglas, 6th Earl of Douglas.
Marriages and Later Life
Margaret married her cousin, William Douglas, 8th Earl of Douglas. After he died, she was allowed to marry his brother, James Douglas, 9th Earl of Douglas. It is not completely clear if this second marriage truly happened. If it did, it must have ended, because both Margaret and James married other people later on. Margaret then married John Stewart, 1st Earl of Atholl.
Her Children
Margaret did not have any children with the Earls of Douglas. However, she had two daughters with the Earl of Atholl. Her daughters were Janet and Elizabeth. Janet married Alexander Gordon, 3rd Earl of Huntly. Elizabeth married Andrew Gray, 2nd Lord Gray. Both of Margaret's daughters had children of their own.
Margaret Douglas in Books
Margaret Douglas has appeared in several historical novels. These books imagine what her life might have been like.
Black Douglas by Nigel Tranter
She is an important character in the book Black Douglas by Nigel Tranter. This novel explores her relationships with the 8th and 9th Earls of Douglas. The book adds some imagined details to her story.
Maid Margaret by Samuel Rutherford Crockett
Margaret is the main character in the 1905 novel Maid Margaret by Samuel Rutherford Crockett. She is also shown as an important character in his earlier book, The Black Douglas from 1899.
