Mary of Guelders facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mary of Guelders |
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Mary of Guelders depicted in the 1591 Seton Armorial
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| Queen consort of Scotland | |
| Tenure | 3 July 1449 – 3 August 1460 |
| Queen regent of Scotland | |
| Regency | 1460 – 1463 |
| Monarch | James III |
| Born | c. 1434/1435 Grave, Duchy of Brabant, Holy Roman Empire |
| Died | 1 December 1463 (aged 28–29) Roxburgh Castle, Roxburghshire, Scotland |
| Burial | 1463 Trinity College Kirk 1848 Holyrood Abbey |
| Spouse | |
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| House | Egmond |
| Father | Arnold, Duke of Gelderland |
| Mother | Catherine of Cleves |
Mary of Guelders (born around 1434 or 1435 – died 1 December 1463) was the Queen of Scotland. She became queen by marrying King James II of Scotland. After her husband's death, she also served as the regent of Scotland from 1460 to 1463. This meant she ruled the country for her young son.
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Early Life and Family
Mary of Guelders was born in a place called Grave, which is now in the Netherlands. Her father was Arnold, Duke of Guelders, and her mother was Catherine of Cleves. She was also a great-niece of a very powerful ruler, Philip the Good, who was the Duke of Burgundy.
Life at the Burgundian Court
Duke Philip and his wife, Isabella, first thought about marrying Mary to Charles, Count of Maine. However, Mary's father could not pay the money needed for the marriage, called a dowry. So, Mary stayed at the Burgundian court. Duchess Isabella often paid for Mary's living costs. Mary even helped Isabella's daughter-in-law, Catherine of France. Mary herself had ten people who helped her.
Later, the Duke and Duchess started talking about a marriage for Mary with someone from Scotland. Philip promised to pay her dowry this time. Isabella also paid for Mary's trousseau, which is a collection of clothes and items for a bride. A Scottish nobleman, William Crichton, came to the Burgundian court to take her to Scotland. Before she left, a special competition was held in Bruges to celebrate.
Becoming Queen of Scotland
Mary arrived in Scotland in June 1449. Her journey was written about by a historian named Mathieu d'Escouchy. First, she visited the Isle of May and a holy place dedicated to St Adrian. Then, she came to Leith and rested at a convent. Many people, both nobles and common folk, came to see her as she traveled to Holyrood Abbey in Edinburgh.
Mary married King James II of Scotland at Holyrood Abbey on 3 July 1449. There was a grand feast to celebrate. The Scottish king also gave her many gifts. Right after the wedding, she wore purple robes and was crowned queen by Abbot Patrick. It was agreed that any sons they had would not have a claim to the duchy of Guelders.
Life as Queen
Queen Mary received several castles and money from many lands from King James. This made her very wealthy on her own. In May 1454, she was at the siege of Blackness Castle. When the king won, he gave the castle to her as a gift. She also gave money to help others. For example, she started a hospital outside Edinburgh for poor people. She also supported religious groups, like the Franciscan friars in Scotland.
Mary as Regent of Scotland
After her husband, King James II, died, Mary became the regent for their son, James III of Scotland. She ruled Scotland for three years until her own death. During this time, Mary became involved in the Wars of the Roses. These were civil wars happening in England.
Mary chose Bishop James Kennedy as her main advisor. They worked well together, even though the bishop supported the Lancastrians in England. Mary, at first, wanted to play both sides against each other.
Helping England's Queen
While Mary was still sad about her husband's death, the English queen, Margaret of Anjou, fled to Scotland. Queen Margaret was from the House of Lancaster and was seeking safety from her enemies, the Yorkists. Mary helped Margaret and even took Margaret's son, Edward, into her home. This kept them safe from the Yorkists.
Mary gave Scottish soldiers to help Margaret and the Lancastrian side. Mary and Margaret also planned for Margaret's son, Edward, to marry Mary's daughter, Margaret, in 1461. In return for her help, Mary asked for the town of Berwick, which was on the border between England and Scotland. Queen Margaret was willing to give it up.
However, the friendship between Mary and Margaret became difficult. This was because King Edward IV of England and Duke Philip of Burgundy became allies. Any support Mary gave to Margaret, who was Edward IV's enemy, threatened the alliance that Philip wanted with Edward IV.
Making Peace
Edward IV tried to stop Mary from helping Margaret by suggesting he marry Mary. Mary refused this offer. Mary's uncle, Duke Philip, also put pressure on her to cancel the planned marriage between her daughter and Margaret's son. This disappointed Queen Margaret. In 1462, Mary paid the Lancastrian royals to leave Scotland. She then made peace with Edward IV. She even hinted that she might marry the new English king herself.
Mary continued King James II's plan to build a new castle at Ravenscraig. This castle was designed to be strong against cannons. She lived there while it was being built until she died.
Trinity College Church
Around 1460, Mary founded Trinity College Church to honor her husband. This church was in what is now Edinburgh's Old Town. Mary was first buried at Trinity College Church. Later, in 1848, her body was moved to Holyrood Abbey in Edinburgh.
Mary's Children
Mary and King James II had seven children together:
- An unnamed son, who was born and died on 19 May 1450.
- James III of Scotland (1451–1488). He became king after his father.
- Mary (May 1453 – May 1488). She married twice and became the mother of James Hamilton, 1st Earl of Arran.
- Alexander Stewart, Duke of Albany (around 1454 – 1485).
- David Stewart, Earl of Moray (around 1455 – 1457). He was given the title of Earl of Moray.
- Margaret (around 1456 – around 1480/1500?). She married William Crichton, 3rd Lord Crichton.
- John Stewart, 1st Earl of Mar and Garioch (around 1459 – 1479).
