Margaret Tudor Facts & Worksheets

Queen Consort of Scotland

• Margaret’s role as Queen Consort of Scotland required her to manage her household, meet the expectations of the Scottish court, and deal with the political challenges of the time. Despite being a queen of another country, part of her marriage contract allowed her a household of 24 English courtiers so she could still connect to her English roots. Over time, she would start to integrate more Scots into her household.
• Margaret actively participated in royal customs. On Maundy Thursday in 1504, she gifted 15 poor women blue gowns, shoes, a purse with 15 English pennies, and wooden tankards and plates. She also often received gifts from her husband, like sapphire rings and a gold-mounted serpent’s tongue. In return, she would give him gifts as well, such as a gold salt cellar adorned with an image of the Virgin Mary to a French knight. She was also generous in giving gifts to her ladies-in-waiting who received gold rings during festive occasions.
• Unfortunately, Margaret also encountered health difficulties while being queen. She suffered from recurring nosebleeds and often relied on contemporary medical practices. In 1507, she went on a pilgrimage to Whithorn in Galloway after a period of illness.
• In 1509, the temporary peace between England and Scotland, as signified by Margaret’s marriage to James IV, was challenged when her father, Henry VII, died. His successor, Henry VIII, pursued a more aggressive policy towards France, which was Scotland’s ally. James IV felt obligated to invade England in support of France, but was killed at the Battle of Flodden in 1513. Margaret, who had opposed the war, was widowed at just 24, with six children, of whom only one survived infancy, James V. In James IV’s will, Margaret was named Regent for her son, provided she remained a widow.

  Margaret’s children with James IV:

  • James, Duke of Rothesay (1507–1508)
  • Unnamed daughter (1508)
  • Arthur, Duke of Rothesay (1509–1510)
  • James V of Scotland (1512–1542)
  • Unnamed daughter (1512)
  • Alexander, Duke of Ross (1514–1515)

Regent and Political Struggles of Margaret Tudor

• Following James IV’s death, Margaret faced constant challenges to her authority as an English princess and the sister of King Henry VIII of England. Many Scottish nobles saw her as an outsider and questioned her ability to govern.
• When Parliament confirmed her as Regent, as per her late husband’s will, a pro-French party rose and advocated for her replacement with the Duke of Albany, John Stewart. While she was attempting to reconcile the Scottish factions and secure peace with England, she met Archibald Douglas, 6th Earl of Angus, and were secretly married.
• The impulsive marriage had heavy consequences for her position as Regent because it violated the terms of James IV’s will. After her marriage was known by the opposing party led by Archbishop James Beaton, the pro-French faction used the opportunity to remove her from the position. 
• Moreover, the Privy Council, which was dominated by her opponents, removed her rights to supervise her own sons. Refusing to accept this, she took them to Stirling Castle to protect them. She wrote to her brother, King Henry VIII of England, using a secret code so he would know her letters were really from her and not forced by her enemies.
• When Albany assumed control in 1515, Henry VIII prioritised securing custody of the young James V and his brother. Margaret was thus forced to surrender her sons. She accepted Henry VIII’s offer of refuge and fled to England while pregnant with Angus’ child. 
• While in England, Margaret gave birth to Lady Margaret Douglas on 8 October 1515. She also learnt of her younger son’s death and realised her husband Angus was more concerned with his own interests than hers. He returned to Scotland, leaving her behind, to secure his position with the new Regent. 
• Margaret returned to Scotland in 1517. Although she eventually reconciled with her husband, their relationship was soon damaged after she found out about his infidelity and financial misconduct. She asked for a divorce but it was quickly opposed by Henry VIII. Feeling disappointed and betrayed, she turned to Albany’s political group for support. This led to a power struggle in Scotland that lasted for years.