Margaret of Scotland, Countess of Kent facts for kids

Margaret of Scotland was a princess born in 1193. She was the daughter of William the Lion, who was the King of Scotland. Her mother was Ermengarde de Beaumont. Margaret belonged to the House of Dunkeld, which was a royal family. Later, when she got married, she became the Countess of Kent in England. She lived until 1259.

Early Life as a Princess

Margaret was the first child of King William I of Scotland and Queen Ermengarde de Beaumont. She had a younger brother named Alexander II of Scotland, who later became king.

Her father, King William, had some disagreements with the English kings, Henry II of England and his son, John of England. Because of these disagreements, in 1209, King William had to send Margaret and her younger sister, Isabella, to England. They were kept at Corfe Castle. Another royal lady, Eleanor, Fair Maid of Brittany, was also there. She was kept safe but couldn't leave, to prevent her from claiming the English throne.

The princesses were treated well. In 1213, King John sent them nice clothes, including green robes and cloaks trimmed with lambskin. He also sent them summer slippers. Sometimes, the ladies were allowed to ride horses outside the castle, but they always had guards with them.

Marriage and Family

On June 19, 1221, Margaret married Hubert de Burgh. At that time, Hubert was a very important person in England. He was like a stand-in king because King Henry III was still very young and couldn't rule by himself. This role was called a regent.

When King Henry III became old enough to rule in 1227, Hubert stepped down from being regent. He was given the special title of Earl of Kent. He remained one of the most powerful people close to the king.

Margaret and Hubert had one daughter:

• Margaret de Burgh (born around 1222). She married Richard de Clare, 5th Earl of Hertford. However, they did not have any children. Margaret de Burgh died in 1237. This meant that Princess Margaret of Scotland's direct family line ended with her daughter.

Margaret of Scotland lived for sixteen years after her husband, Hubert, passed away. She died on November 25, 1259. She was buried in London at the Church of the Blackfriars.

Throughout her life, Margaret was always very close to the Scottish throne. She was one of the few direct and legal descendants of King William I. This meant she was often considered one of the main people who could inherit the throne if something happened to the king.