Margaret of Scotland, Queen of Norway facts for kids

Margaret of Scotland (born February 28, 1261 – died April 9, 1283) was a Queen of Norway. She was the wife of King Eric II. People sometimes called her the Maid of Scotland. This helped tell her apart from her daughter, also named Margaret, who later became Queen of Scotland.

Margaret's Early Life

Margaret was born on February 28, 1261, at Windsor Castle in England. She was the first child of King Alexander III of Scotland and his first wife, Margaret of England.

When she was born, a special group of important people, including earls, bishops, and barons, were given the job of making sure she arrived safely in Scotland. Margaret later had two younger brothers, Alexander and David. Her mother, Queen Margaret, passed away in 1275. However, letters show that young Margaret had a close relationship with her uncle, King Edward I of England.

Her Royal Marriage

Margaret stayed unmarried until she was 20 years old. This was quite unusual for a princess in the Middle Ages, as most married much younger. In 1281, she became betrothed (promised to be married) to Eric II, who was the King of Norway. This marriage was planned to help calm down problems between Norway and Scotland that had started years before.

Some old writers, called chroniclers, said that Margaret didn't want to marry Eric. But her father, King Alexander, insisted on the marriage. As part of her dowry (a gift of money or property given by the bride's family), the Scottish crown gave Margaret and Eric several large estates in Scotland. The marriage agreement also stated that if King Alexander died without any sons, Margaret and her children would become the next rulers of Scotland.

Margaret arrived by ship in Bergen, Norway, on August 15. Her wedding to the 13-year-old King Eric happened a few weeks later. This made her the Queen of Norway. She was crowned at Christ Church, Bergen by Jon Raude, who was the Archbishop of Nidaros.

Margaret was a well-educated woman. It might have been hard for her to get used to being married to a young teenager. Reports from Scottish visitors said she tried to "cultivate" Eric. This meant she tried to teach him French and English, good table manners, and how to dress fashionably. However, Eric's mother, Queen Ingeborg of Denmark, often made Margaret's position as queen less powerful and controlled the royal court.

Birth of Her Daughter and Death

Between March and April 9, 1283, Queen Margaret gave birth to her only child. This was her daughter, also named Margaret, who became known as the Maid of Norway. She was born in Tønsberg, Norway.

Queen Margaret died during or very soon after childbirth on April 9, 1283. She was buried in Christ Church in Bergen. Because both of Margaret's brothers died before her father, her daughter, the Maid of Norway, became the next in line to the Scottish throne in 1286.

See also

Template:Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Margarita de Escocia (reina de Noruega) para niños