Marjorie, Countess of Carrick facts for kids
Marjorie of Carrick (also known as Margaret) was an important Scottish noblewoman. She was the Countess of Carrick in her own right from 1256 until her death around November 1292. Marjorie is most famous for being the mother of Robert the Bruce, who became a legendary King of Scotland.
Quick facts for kids
Marjorie of Carrick
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| suo jure 3rd Countess of Carrick | |
| Died | shortly before 9 November 1292 |
| Noble family | Clan MacDuff (by marriage) House of Bruce (by marriage) |
| Spouse(s) | Adam of Kilconquhar Robert de Brus, 6th Lord of Annandale |
| Issue | Martha of Kilconquhar Isabel, Queen of Norway Christina Bruce Robert I, King of Scotland Neil de Brus Edward Bruce, King of Ireland Mary, Lady Campbell, Lady Fraser Margaret, Lady Carlyle Sir Thomas de Brus Alexander de Brus Elizabeth, Lady Dishington Matilda, Countess of Ross |
| Father | Niall, Earl of Carrick |
| Mother | Margaret Stewart |
Contents
Early Life and Inheritance
Marjorie was the daughter of Niall Mac Dhonnchad, who was the 2nd Earl of Carrick. Her mother was Margaret Stewart. Her grandfather was Walter Stewart, 3rd High Steward of Scotland.
Since her father Niall had no sons, he made sure Marjorie would inherit his important title. In 1256, when her father died, Marjorie became the 3rd Countess of Carrick. This meant she held the title suo jure, which is Latin for "in her own right." She was a powerful noblewoman because she owned the lands and title herself.
Marriages and Children
Marjorie was married twice and had many children. Her children became important figures in Scottish history.
First Marriage
Marjorie first married Adam of Kilconquhar. Sadly, Adam died while fighting in the Eighth Crusade in 1271. Marjorie and Adam had one daughter together, named Martha.
Second Marriage
After Adam's death, a young man named Robert de Brus, 6th Lord of Annandale came to tell Marjorie about her husband's passing. He had been with Adam during the Crusade. The story says that Marjorie was so impressed by Robert that she held him captive at Turnberry Castle until he agreed to marry her!
They married in 1271 without getting permission from the King of Scotland. Because of this, Marjorie temporarily lost her lands. They had to pay a large fine to get them back. After their marriage, Robert became the Earl of Carrick jure uxoris, which means "in right of his wife."
Marjorie's Children
Marjorie and Robert de Brus had many children who played key roles in Scottish history:
- Isabel Bruce (born 1272) married King Eric II of Norway.
- Christina Bruce
- Robert the Bruce, who became King of Scotland.
- Niall or Nigel Bruce, who was executed in 1306.
- Edward Bruce, who became King of Ireland.
- Sir Thomas Bruce, who was executed in 1307.
- Alexander Bruce, who was also executed in 1307.
- Mary Bruce, who married Sir Niall Campbell and later Sir Alexander Fraser of Touchfraser and Cowie.
- Matilda Bruce, who married Hugh, Earl of Ross.
- Elizabeth Bruce, who married William Dishington.
- Margaret Bruce, who married William Carlyle.
Later Life and Legacy
Marjorie of Carrick died shortly before November 9, 1292. After her death, her husband Robert transferred the title and lands of Carrick to their eldest son, Robert. This son would later become the famous Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland, who fought for Scotland's independence. Marjorie's strong will and important family connections helped shape the future of Scotland.
