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Margaret Stewart, Duchess of Touraine
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Margaret Stewart's life story is one of remarkable endurance and
significance, intertwined with the regal lineage of Scotland, alliances
with powerful families, profound personal losses, and an enduring
influence during one of the most turbulent eras in Scottish history. As
the eldest daughter of King Robert III and Annabella Drummond,
Margaret’s life was defined not only by her royal birth but also by the
steadfast resolve with which she navigated challenges that few could
imagine.
Born sometime between 1367 and 1373, Margaret entered a
world already shaped by dynastic ambition. She was acknowledged in
parliamentary decrees as her grandfather Robert II’s eldest
granddaughter in 1373, affirming her position within Scotland’s royal
succession. Her presence within the records of 1378 as her father’s
eldest daughter demonstrated her significance in a family destined to
shape the course of the kingdom’s history.
Margaret’s marriage to
Archibald Douglas, around 1387, marked a pivotal moment—not as a step up
in her standing as a princess but as a union that strengthened the ties
between two of Scotland’s most formidable families. Her husband's
lineage as the future Earl of Douglas brought her titles such as
Countess of Douglas and, later, Duchess of Touraine and Lady of
Galloway, roles that underscored her political relevance and involvement
in the governance of her territories.
The ascension of her father
to the Scottish throne in 1390 as King Robert III further solidified
Margaret’s status. Yet, her life during the subsequent years was far
from one of serene nobility. Following the death of her father-in-law in
1400, Margaret’s husband Archibald rose to the earldom and assumed
control of Galloway. His martial career, however, led to his capture by
English forces at the Battle of Homildon Hill in 1402, a pivotal event
that left Margaret to manage her responsibilities during his years of
absence.
Margaret's resilience was tested as she faced personal
tragedies during this time. Her younger brother David, briefly a regent,
met a tragic death in 1402 under their uncle’s orders. The same year,
her husband was imprisoned in England, and her father’s death in 1406
followed swiftly after her other surviving brother James was seized by
pirates. Amid these losses, Margaret assumed the guardianship of her
incapacitated youngest sister Egidia, demonstrating her strength and
capacity for care.
In 1424, her husband Archibald earned the
French title of Duke of Touraine for leading Scottish forces during the
Hundred Years’ War—a brief triumph shadowed by his death later that year
at the Battle of Verneuil. Margaret, trusted by Archibald, had already
taken charge of Galloway’s governance, which her brother King James I
formally recognized in 1426 when he granted her the title "lady of
Galloway" for life.
Margaret’s leadership was evident as she
mediated disputes, including the constableship of
Lochnaw Castle, and
maintained her role as a political figure of influence. She supported
family claims in court, intervened with the king for her son’s release,
and managed her territories with competence amidst continued challenges.
Tragically, her son, James, and later her grandson met untimely ends due to
internal conflicts among the Douglas family and the infamous "Black
Dinner."
Margaret’s later years were marked by her retirement to Lincluden Priory in 1447, where she relinquished her title to Galloway
but maintained her dignity and presence. Even as her influence waned,
Margaret continued to assert her identity, styling herself as Duchess of
Touraine, and became part of petitions seeking recognition for the
title.
Margaret Stewart died between January 1450 and
January 1451, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering determination. Her
life offers a poignant glimpse into the strength of a woman who
navigated her role as a princess, a duchess, and a leader during times
of political upheaval. Today, her tomb at Lincluden stands as a
testament to a life that was far more than royal privilege—it was one of
resilience, negotiation, and power.
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Source
Sources for this article include:
The Black Douglases: War and Lordship in Medieval Scotland; Michael
Brown (1998). |
Any contributions will be
gratefully accepted
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