Margaret Lyon facts for kids

Margaret Lyon (died 1625) was an important Scottish noblewoman and landowner. She was the daughter of John Lyon, 7th Lord Glamis and Janet Keith. Her mother was also the daughter of Robert Keith, Master of Marischal, and sister to William Keith, 4th Earl Marischal.

Margaret's Family Life

Margaret Lyon was married twice. Her first husband was Gilbert Kennedy, 4th Earl of Cassilis (who died in 1576). When they married, she became known as the "Countess of Cassilis." They had two sons:

• John Kennedy, 5th Earl of Cassilis (1575–1615)
• Hew Kennedy, Master of Cassilis (1576/77-1607)

After her first husband passed away, Margaret married John, Lord Hamilton in 1578. He was also known as the Commendator of Arbroath. Their marriage agreement was signed at Maybole Castle on December 30, 1577. John Hamilton later became the Marquess of Hamilton in 1599.

Margaret and John Hamilton had two children:

• James Hamilton, 2nd Marquess of Hamilton (1589–1625)
• Margaret Hamilton, who married John Maxwell, 9th Lord Maxwell

Challenges and Property

Life in Scotland during Margaret's time could be quite challenging, especially for powerful families. In June 1579, Margaret's income and properties were taken away by the king. This happened because her husband, Lord Hamilton, was seen as someone who opposed the king. The Hamilton family's lands had been raided by Regent Morton, and some of her husband's family members were captured.

However, King James VI and his Privy Council (a group of royal advisors) stepped in. They ordered that Margaret should get back all the lands and money she had before she married John Hamilton. This shows she had some influence and support.

Later, in 1584, Margaret Lyon helped some people who were against the king. These included her own brother, Thomas Lyon, Master of Glamis, and the Earl of Mar. She welcomed them at her home, the House of Cassilis in Ayrshire. Because of this, her possessions were again taken away and given to someone else, Thomas Kennedy of Bargany.

Margaret's Letters

Margaret Lyon and her husband, John Hamilton, often had legal disagreements about their lands, rights, and income. They wrote many letters to important people to help them. One person they wrote to was Sir Patrick Vans of Barnbarroch, who was a judge in Scotland. They encouraged him to support their side in legal cases.

For example, in July 1588, Margaret wrote to Sir Patrick on behalf of her "good friend" James Maxwell of Calderwood. James Maxwell had received a special gift from the king regarding some properties, and this gift was being discussed by the government. Margaret told Sir Patrick that if he helped James, James would be able to return the favor and improve Sir Patrick's reputation. She wrote, "there is no pleasure you do him but I will account the same as done to myself." This shows how important connections and favors were back then.

In June 1589, Margaret wrote from Hamilton about a legal hearing she had with Lady Lochermoss. Margaret believed that Lady Lochermoss was trying to use false information in court. She felt that the other judges believed Lady Lochermoss, and her own tenants were not getting fair treatment. Margaret hoped Sir Patrick would be present at the hearing to make sure no dishonesty or trickery was used.

Margaret and Lord Hamilton both wrote to Sir Patrick on June 29, 1590. They asked him to help their friend James Maxwell of Calderwood in a case against Lockhart of Lee concerning some lands. Margaret promised that if James Maxwell won, her husband would feel grateful and would help Sir Patrick in return.

On March 4, 1593, Margaret wrote from Kinneil House asking for Sir Patrick's "goodwill and favour" in their case against Peter Young. She believed their case was fair and followed the law. A year later, on March 4, 1594, she wrote from Kinneil again, thanking him. She also mentioned another legal case and advised him to talk to the Lord Chancellor, John Maitland of Thirlestane, and her brother, the Master of Glamis. These letters show Margaret's active role in managing her family's affairs and protecting their interests.