Marjory, Countess of Buchan facts for kids

Marjory, Countess of Buchan, was an important Scottish noblewoman from a long time ago. She was also known as Margaret of Buchan. Her story shows how powerful women could be in medieval Scotland, especially when they inherited important titles.

The Countess's Life

Becoming Countess

Marjory became the Countess of Buchan after her father, Fergus, the previous Earl of Buchan, passed away. He didn't have any sons, so his daughter Marjory inherited his important title and lands. This was a big deal because it meant she was a powerful figure in Scotland.

Marjory married a man named William Comyn, Lord of Badenoch. This was William's second marriage. When they got married, William became an Earl too, but it was because of Marjory's title. This is sometimes called "jure uxoris," which means "by right of his wife." So, Marjory was the true Countess, and William shared the title because he was her husband.

Founding Deer Abbey

In 1219, Marjory and William did something very special together. They started a new monastery called Deer Abbey. This abbey was for a group of monks called Cistercians. It was dedicated to Mary, a very important figure in Christianity. Building an abbey was a big project and showed their wealth and religious devotion.

William Comyn passed away in 1233. After his death, Marjory continued to be the Countess of Buchan on her own. She held this important position until she died. After her passing, her son, Alexander, took over the title and became the next Earl of Buchan.

Marjory's Family

Marjory and William Comyn had a large family. They are known to have had at least seven children. These children grew up to marry into other important Scottish families, which helped to strengthen their family's power and connections.

• Idonea Comyn, who married Gilbert de la Hay of Erroll
• Alexander Comyn, who married Elizabeth de Quincy
• William Comyn
• Margory Comyn, who married John de Keith
• Fergus Comyn, Lord of Gorgyn
• Elizabeth Comyn, who married Uilleam, Earl of Mar
• Agnes Comyn, who married Philip de Meldrum