Margaret Stewart, Dauphine of France facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Margaret of Scotland |
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|---|---|
| Dauphine of France | |
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| Born | 25 December 1424 Perth |
| Died | 16 August 1445 (aged 20) Châlons-sur-Marne, France |
| Burial | Saint-Laon church, Thouars, France |
| Spouse | |
| House | Stewart |
| Father | James I of Scotland |
| Mother | Joan Beaufort |
Margaret Stewart (French: Marguerite; born December 25, 1424 – died August 16, 1445) was a princess from Scotland. She became the dauphine of France, which means she was the wife of the heir to the French throne.
Margaret was the first child of King James I of Scotland and Joan Beaufort. She married Louis, who would later become the King of France. She was only eleven years old when they married. Their marriage was not a happy one. Margaret died at the age of 20, without having any children.
Early Life in Scotland
Margaret was born in Perth, Scotland. Her parents were King James I of Scotland and Queen Joan Beaufort. Her mother, Joan, was a cousin of Henry V of England.
Margaret was the first of six daughters. She also had twin brothers. Her younger brother, James, later became James II of Scotland when he was six years old.
Becoming Dauphine of France
Margaret's marriage was a political choice made by Charles VII of France, the King of France. He wanted her to marry his eldest son, Louis. Louis was twelve years old at the time.
Royal marriages in the 1400s were often about politics. They were not usually about love. We don't know exactly what Louis or Margaret thought of each other at first. Some historians believe Louis may have disliked his wife because his father chose her. However, Louis did go through with the wedding. He even formally hugged Margaret when they first met.
The wedding took place on June 25, 1436. It happened in the chapel of the castle of Tours. The Archbishop of Reims led the ceremony. For a royal wedding, it was quite simple. Louis, who was almost thirteen, looked older than Margaret, who was eleven. Margaret was described as looking like a beautiful "doll."
King Charles's clothes and the quick departure of the Scottish guests were seen as a bit rude. Scotland was an important ally to France in its war with England. However, the French court was not very rich at this time. They could not afford a big, fancy ceremony. They also could not host their Scottish guests for very long.
After the wedding, Margaret continued her studies. Louis traveled with his father, King Charles. During this trip, Louis was officially named Dauphin. This was a traditional title for the king's oldest son.
Margaret was seen as lovely and graceful. She was also very beautiful. She was good at writing poetry, but none of her poems survived. She enjoyed the social life at the French court. She was a favourite of her father-in-law, King Charles VII. Many courtiers liked her.
However, Margaret felt like an outsider at the French court. This made her feel sad and depressed. She had a difficult relationship with her husband, Louis. Louis often argued with his father, King Charles. Margaret often sided with the King against her husband. Her unhappy marriage made her depression worse. She also faced gossip from Louis's supporters.
Margaret's Death
Margaret died on August 16, 1445, in Châlons-sur-Marne, France. She was only 20 years old. A few days before her death, she went on a short trip with the court. It was very hot. When she returned, she became feverish. The doctor said she had an inflammation of the lungs.
She died feeling sad and upset by rumors spread about her. Her last words were said to be, Fi de la vie! qu'on ne m'en parle plus. This means, "Fie on life! Speak no more of it to me."
Margaret was buried in the Saint-Laon church in Thouars, France.
A Famous Legend
Margaret is also known for a famous legend. The story says that the poet Alain Chartier kissed her while she was asleep. This supposedly happened in her own rooms. However, this story is not true. Margaret was too young and in a different place when Chartier died. So, it would have been impossible for this to happen.
