Margaret Fleming, Countess of Atholl facts for kids

Margaret Fleming, Countess of Atholl (1536-1586), was an important Scottish noblewoman. She was known as the Countess of Atholl. Margaret served as a lady-in-waiting to Mary, Queen of Scots, helping her at court. Some people at the time spread rumors that she was involved in magic.

Life at Court and Rumors

Margaret was the daughter of Malcolm Fleming, 3rd Lord Fleming. Her mother was Janet Stewart, Lady Fleming, who was also the daughter of James IV of Scotland. This meant Margaret was related to the Scottish royal family!

Margaret was a loyal supporter of Mary, Queen of Scots. She worked at the royal court. Many stories were told about her, especially by people who didn't like her or her family.

Stories of Magic

One famous story was recorded by Richard Bannatyne. He was a secretary to John Knox, who was an enemy of Margaret's husband. Bannatyne claimed that when Mary, Queen of Scots was giving birth, Margaret Fleming used magic. He said Margaret magically moved Mary's labor pains to another lady, Margaret Beaton, Lady Reres. Bannatyne called Margaret's husband an "idolator and depender on witches." This shows how much he disliked them.

The Mysterious Jewel

In 1570, a special jewel was made for Mary, Queen of Scots. It was meant to show her claim to the English throne. The jewel was shaped like an antler chandelier. It showed Mary on a throne with two fighting lions. The jewel had a message: "Fall what may Fall the Lion shall be Lord of All." It also had intertwined roses and thistles.

The English diplomat Thomas Randolph was very worried about this jewel. He thought it was a secret message for Mary. People whispered that the "witches of Atholl" had ordered it. This likely meant Margaret Fleming and her companions.

Alexander Hay, a government official, also wrote about this jewel. He said Lady Atholl (Margaret Fleming) sent it to Mary. However, it ended up in the hands of Queen Elizabeth I of England. Hay described it as small, decorated with gold and enamel. He said it showed the Scottish royal symbols and Mary herself. Queen Elizabeth was not happy about it.

Family and Later Life

Margaret's husband, the Earl of Atholl, passed away in 1579. This happened soon after he attended a dinner at Stirling Castle. Margaret Fleming was also unwell at the time. Some rumors spread that they had been poisoned. However, a family member wrote that Margaret's complaints were "forged lies." Margaret later appeared before the Scottish government to protect her son's rights.

Margaret's daughter Jean Stewart married Duncan Campbell of Glenorchy (1545-1631)

Margaret owned many valuable things, including tapestries. She also had a large amount of wool at Balvenie Castle. Her family had other homes at Dunkeld and Blair.

In 1583, Margaret had some money problems. She owed money to a tailor in Edinburgh.

In 1585, Margaret wrote a letter to Mary, Queen of Scots. She told Mary that the Scottish court was changing. She hoped to see Mary and her son, James VI, together again one day. Margaret offered to travel to England to serve Mary with her daughter. Mary was happy about this idea. However, Queen Elizabeth I would not allow Margaret to visit. Queen Elizabeth thought the request for companions was suspicious.

Margaret Fleming passed away in 1586.

Family Life

Margaret Fleming was married three times.

Her first husband was Robert Graham, Master of Montrose. They had one son:

• John Graham, 3rd Earl of Montrose

In 1549, she married Thomas Erskine, Master of Erskine. His mother, Mary of Guise, paid a dowry for the marriage.

Her third husband was John Stewart, 4th Earl of Atholl. They had several children:

• Jean Stewart, who married Duncan Campbell of Glenorchy.
• Grizel Stewart, who married David Lindsay, 11th Earl of Crawford.
• Mary Stewart, who married Francis Hay, 9th Earl of Erroll.
• John Stewart, 5th Earl of Atholl. When he passed away in 1595, the family title went back to the crown because there were no more male heirs.