Christian Men and Women

Saint Margaret of Scotland

Margaret was born about the year 1046 and she was a Princess who lived in England. When in 1066 William the Conqueror invaded England and killed King Harold Margaret fled to Scotland.

The king of Scotland was a man called Malcolm. King Malcolm was not a very nice man. He was rough, had no manners and could not read. He had many friends who ate and drank too much and had no religion. This was the complete opposite of Margaret who was a very beautiful and holy woman. King Malcolm really liked Margaret and he did everything she said. He sent his friends home, began to wear fine clothes and insisted that everybody went to church. Soon Malcolm and Margaret were married. Malcolm never learnt to read but Margaret would often read to him. He had her books decorated with silver and gold. One of these books is kept in Edinburgh (in Scotland) another is kept in Oxford (in England).

Scotland became a better country because of Queen Margaret. She built many churches and rebuilt the Abbey at Iona. She also gave money to the poor and set up hostels for many people.

Saint Margaret died four days after her husband King Malcolm was killed. Some say that she died of a broken heart. Malcolm and Margaret had six sons and two daughters.

Amongst the many virtues that Margaret had were Justice, Faith and Love (Charity).