Margery Byset facts for kids

Margery Byset was an important Irish noblewoman. She belonged to the Bissett family. Her marriage in 1399 to John Mór Tanister MacDonnell was very significant. It helped the Clan Donald family gain a claim to the Glens of Antrim. Margery's family had ruled this area since the 1200s. She is also an ancestor of the Clan MacDonald of Dunnyveg.

Margery's Family

Margery was the daughter of Mac Eoin Bissett, who was the Lord of the Glens. Her mother was Sabia O'Neill, a princess from the powerful O'Neill dynasty. Sabia passed away in 1387.

Not much is known for sure about the Bissett family's history. This is because their family records from the Middle Ages have been lost. The Bissett family lost their power in the Glens of Antrim around 1522. This happened after a battle called the Battle of Knockavoe.

Some old writings say the Bissetts were originally from Greece. They supposedly came to England with William the Conqueror. As for Margery's mother, Sabia, she might have been one of the daughters of Aodh Reamhar Ó Néill. He was a King of Ulster.

Margery's Life

Margery might have met Richard II of England when he was in Ireland. This could have been before or around the time of her marriage to John Mór Tanister. Richard II visited Ireland in 1394–1395. He was trying to get Irish princes to accept his rule. He also returned in 1399, the same year he was removed from power.

Because Margery was the daughter of a powerful lord, she likely met the king. She remembered his face well. Later, after she moved to the Isles with John, a Scottish poet named Andrew of Wyntoun told a story. He said Margery recognized a man who was dressed like a poor person. She believed this man was the deposed King Richard II.

Most people believe Richard II died in prison in Pontefract Castle in early 1400. However, Margery was sure about the man she saw. The Scottish people believed her. The new English king, Henry IV, said the man was a fake. But this person became a symbol against King Henry IV. He died in 1419.

Margery's Children

Margery Byset and John Mór Tanister had at least one known child:

• Donald Balloch MacDonald

They might have also had another son:

• Ranald Bane MacDonald