Scottish warship Margaret facts for kids
| History | |
|---|---|
 Scotland |
|
| Namesake | Margaret Tudor |
| Launched | c.1505 |
| General characteristics | |
The Margaret was an important Scottish warship from the 1500s. She was built for King James IV of Scotland as part of his plan to create a powerful Scottish navy.
King James IV named the ship after his wife, Margaret Tudor. She was launched around 1505.
Building a Royal Ship
King James IV wanted Scotland to have a strong navy. He ordered the Margaret to be built in Leith, a town in Scotland.
Work on the ship started around 1502 and finished by 1506. Skilled shipbuilders, including some from France, helped construct her.
The King was very excited about his new ship. He even held a special dinner party on board the Margaret in 1505, even though she wasn't fully built yet! He brought fancy tapestries and silver from his palace for the event.
A Big Ship for the King
When the Margaret was first built, she was the largest ship in the Scottish navy. This made her a very impressive vessel.
However, she was soon outdone by an even bigger warship. This new ship was called the Michael. The Michael was much larger than the Margaret.
The Margaret's first journey was in July 1506. King James IV himself sailed on her to the Isle of May. The ship had new equipment for this trip. This included crossbows, compasses for navigation, and special night glasses.
Flags and Decorations
The Margaret was a royal ship, so she had special decorations. King James IV ordered a fancy gold whistle for himself. He also bought a silver whistle for the ship.
The ship flew two main flags. One was a blue banner with a white Saint Andrew's Cross. This is the national symbol of Scotland.
The other flag was yellow and featured the red lion of Scotland. This lion was embroidered with gold and silk. A skilled artist from Flanders made this beautiful flag.
Important Missions
The Margaret was repaired in 1512 in a place called Airth. She was kept in good condition for her duties.
In November 1512, the Margaret was docked at Blackness Castle alongside the Great Michael. King James IV used the Michael to meet with the French ambassador. This meeting helped confirm the "Auld Alliance" between Scotland and France. This alliance was a long-standing friendship between the two countries.
In 1513, the Margaret was prepared to be loaned to Louis XII of France. An English ambassador saw her being worked on. He noted that many people were busy fixing her mast and sealing her hull.
The Margaret sailed with the Michael and other ships. They were part of a fleet led by the Earl of Arran. The fleet first attacked Carrickfergus before heading to France.
After serving in France, the Margaret returned to Scotland. She was docked at Dumbarton in May 1515. Her guns were taken off the ship and moved to Edinburgh.
