Margaret Livingstone, Countess of Orkney facts for kids
Margaret Livingstone, Countess of Orkney, was an important Scottish noblewoman who lived a long time ago, dying in 1622. She was the daughter of William Livingstone, 6th Lord Livingston, and Agnes Fleming. She played a role in the Scottish court and was known for her connections to royalty.
First Marriage and Court Life
In July 1581, Margaret married Lewis Bellenden of Broughton. He was a very important lawyer in Scotland, known as the Lord Justice Clerk. Because of his title, Margaret was often called "Lady Justice Clerk" or "Lady Auchinoul." Even Mary, Queen of Scots, who was in England at the time, had hoped Margaret would join her household instead of getting married.
Margaret and Lewis had three sons and two daughters. Their oldest son was James Bellenden. Two of their other sons moved to a place called Ulster. Their daughter, Mariota Bellenden, married Patrick Murray.
Margaret was also part of the royal court. She attended Anne of Denmark's special ceremony when she became queen in Holyrood Abbey on May 17, 1590. The University of Edinburgh still has a record of clothes Margaret Livingstone signed for in 1590.
Sadly, Lewis Bellenden died on August 27, 1591, after being sick for eight days.
Serving the Royal Family
After her first husband passed away, Margaret became a lady-in-waiting. This meant she was a special helper and companion in the households of Queen Anne of Denmark at Dunfermline Palace. She also served Prince Henry, the king's son, at Stirling Castle.
At Stirling Castle, Margaret was among other important noblewomen. These "dames of honour" included Annabell Murray, Countess of Mar, Marie Stewart, Countess of Mar, Agnes Leslie, Countess of Morton, and her aunt, Lady Dudhope.
In May 1596, a money lender named Janet Fockart died. Records showed that Margaret Livingstone had borrowed money from her. She had used a special diamond chain and a diamond ring as a promise to pay back the money. By the time the money lender's records were finished, Margaret was already known as "Lady Orkney."
Countess of Orkney
On August 19, 1596, Margaret married Patrick Stewart, 2nd Earl of Orkney. Their wedding took place at Callendar House. King James VI himself was at their wedding party! He had to leave early to go see his new baby daughter, Princess Elizabeth, at Dunfermline Palace. Margaret and Patrick did not have any children together.
Margaret often helped her husband by raising money for him. She also had some debts for rent in Linlithgow. This might have been because she was attending Princess Elizabeth, who was raised by the Livingstone family at Linlithgow Palace.
The exact date Margaret Livingstone died is not known. However, she signed a paper in Edinburgh to receive her royal pension, which was a payment from the king, in January 1622.
