Margaret Hardie facts for kids

Margaret Hardie (born around 1625, died after 1660) was a brave and clever tenant farmer from Westruther, Berwickshire in Scotland. She is remembered for her amazing determination and loyalty, which helped her family and even a powerful Earl during tough times.

Early Life and Hardship

Margaret Lylestoun was born around 1625 in Westruther, Scotland. When she was about 18, she married Thomas Hardie. Thomas was a tenant farmer, meaning he rented land to farm. Their farm, called Midside, was part of a larger estate owned by John Maitland, who was the Earl of Lauderdale.

Life on the farm was very difficult. For six years, the weather was terrible, making farming almost impossible. In the seventh year, disaster struck: all their sheep died. Margaret and Thomas were in big trouble and faced ruin and starvation.

Thomas felt like giving up, especially when the rent was due. But Margaret was not ready to quit. She decided to ask the Earl of Lauderdale if they could delay paying their rent. When she was 25, Margaret walked about 9 miles to Lauder. She hoped the Earl would meet with her so she could explain their situation.

A Witty Bargain

The Earl of Lauderdale finally agreed to meet Margaret at Thirlestane Castle in the Scottish Borders. Margaret bravely told him about the heavy snow and the many hard years they had faced on the farm.

The Earl was surprised by her courage. He jokingly told her that if she could bring him a snowball on Midsummer's Day, he would let them off paying their rent this time. Midsummer's Day is in June, when snow is almost impossible to find!

Margaret returned to the farm and told Thomas about the Earl's strange request. Together, they found a large amount of snow still hidden in a deep ravine on the hill. They carefully carried it all the way back to Thirlstane Castle. Even after the long journey, enough snow remained for Margaret to show the Earl a snowball on Midsummer's Day! The Earl was amazed and had to keep his promise. After this, the Hardies' farm became successful.

A Secret Gift and Freedom

Years later, during the English Civil War, the Earl of Lauderdale was captured by Oliver Cromwell's soldiers at the Battle of Worcester. He was locked up in the Tower of London for nine years because he strongly supported King Charles II.

Back home, most of the Earl's tenants stopped paying rent, thinking he was a rebel and would never return. But Margaret Hardie was different. She secretly saved all nine years of rent money in gold coins. Then, she baked a traditional Scottish bread called a bannock and hid the gold coins inside it.

Margaret then began a much longer journey. She walked all the way from Berwickshire in Scotland to London! She managed to get another meeting with the imprisoned Earl and gave him the bannock. When the hungry Earl broke the bread, the gold coins fell out. He used this money to buy his freedom and leave the Tower of London.

When King Charles II returned to power, the Earl of Lauderdale was given back all his lands and even became a Duke. He was also made a Knight of the Order of the Thistle, a very high honor.

A Lasting Reward

The Earl never forgot Margaret Hardie's courage and kindness. When he returned to Scotland, he gave her a beautiful silver girdle (a type of belt) as a thank you. This special girdle is now kept at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.

As a further thank you, the Earl allowed Margaret and Thomas Hardie, along with their children, to live on their farm rent-free for the rest of their lives. Margaret Hardie died sometime after 1660.