Margaret of Scotland, Countess of Kent

Who was Margaret of Scotland, Countess of Kent?

Margaret of Scotland was the first child born to William I of Scotland and his wife Ermengarde de Beaumont. She was an older sister of Alexander II of Scotland.

On 19 June 1221, Margaret married Hubert de Burgh. At the time of their marriage Hubert was effectively the Regent of the Kingdom of England since Henry III was an underage King. Henry III finally came of age in 1227 and Hubert retired from his duties as Regent. He was awarded the title of Earl of Kent and remained one of the most influential people at court.

They had only one known daughter:

Margaret de Burgh. Also known as "Megotta", she married Richard de Clare, 5th Earl of Hertford, but left no issue. Margaret of Scotland's line thus went extinct in 1237.

She survived her husband by sixteen years and died in 1259. She was buried at the Church of the Black Friars of London.

From her birth to her death was Margaret was arguably either first or second heir to the throne of the Kingdom of Scotland as one of the few living, legitimate descendants of William I.