Margaret Kennedy, Countess of Cassilis facts for kids
Margaret Kennedy, Countess of Cassilis (who passed away in 1580) was an important Scottish noblewoman. She lived during the 1500s, a time of many changes in Scotland. She was known for her family connections and for looking after her properties.
Margaret's Family Life
Margaret was the daughter of Alexander Kennedy of Bargany. Her first husband was Hugh or John Wallace of Craigie. They had a daughter named Margaret Wallace, and two sons: the Laird of Craigie and William Wallace of Failford.
In 1540, Margaret married her second husband, Gilbert Kennedy, 3rd Earl of Cassilis (who lived from 1515 to 1558). Together, they had several children:
- Katherine Kennedy, who married Patrick Vans of Barnbarroch.
- Gilbert Kennedy, 4th Earl of Cassilis (who passed away in 1576).
- Thomas Kennedy of Culzean. He later joined the court of King James VI in October 1580.
- Jean Kennedy, who married Robert Stewart, 1st Earl of Orkney in 1561.
- Isobel Kennedy (who lived from 1542 to 1598), who married Patrick McElwain of Thomaston.
There is a famous old story, told in a song called The Raggle Taggle Gypsy, about the Countess of Cassilis and a gypsy leader named John Faa. This story is a legend that has been passed down through generations.
Managing Her Widow's Income
After her second husband, the Earl of Cassilis, passed away, Margaret became a widow. Her son, who was now the new Earl, made sure she was well looked after. He gave her the Place of Casillis, which included its gardens and orchard, as her home. This house was located between Maybole and Dalrymple.
She also received a portion of land called Blairbowie. In addition, she was granted money from the lands of Craigmalloch (near Loch Doon castle) and livestock from Kerry Castle. She could also let her animals graze in the Forest of Buchan.
Her son also gave her back some valuable items. These included silver dishes and many furnishings for her home. Among these were a special bed with black velvet and black damask curtains, and four beautiful tapestries that had been in the family's house in Edinburgh.
In January 1576, Margaret learned that her oldest son, the Laird of Craigie, was planning to sell some land called Ferstoun. Margaret knew she had a right to a third of this property for her lifetime. She asked her son-in-law, Patrick Vaus, to talk to the Regent (a powerful leader at the time) about her rights. She wanted to make sure she was treated fairly.
Shopping for Luxury Goods
In November 1578, Margaret wrote a letter to her daughter Katherine from Maybole Castle. She asked her daughter to buy some special items for her. She wanted velvet fabric for a new cloak. She specifically asked for the same type and pattern as her doublet (a type of jacket) and skirt.
The cloak was to be lined with soft rabbit fur, and it needed a collar or trim made of "mertrix" (marten) fur. She also wanted a pair of simple bracelets with a clasp. Margaret asked for a "tablet" or locket that held a "just dyackle," which might have been a small sundial or compass. This locket was also meant to hold scented "must" (a type of perfume). She mentioned she could provide a pearl for the locket more cheaply than the price her daughter had been quoted.
Finally, Margaret also wanted a petticoat made of fur. She also asked for an estimate for a low bed made from pine wood, which she had already discussed the details for. She expected it to cost about £3 Scots. In a note at the end of her letter, she mentioned that she had seen a velvet skirt belonging to the wife of the President of Session, and that its fabric would be perfect for her new cloak.
