The death of a seven-year-old in the Orkney Islands in September 1290 triggered a severe political crisis across Great Britain. Margaret, born in Tønsberg, was the only surviving descendant of King Alexander III of Scotland. Her status as the heir presumptive and later as queen-designate meant her sudden passing left the Scottish throne without a clear successor.
Early life and heritage
Born between March and April 1283, Margaret was the sole child of King Eric II of Norway and his wife, Margaret of Scotland. Her mother died due to complications from childbirth, leaving the infant in the care of Narve, the Bishop of Bergen. Although a 1281 marriage treaty between her parents intended for their children to potentially inherit the Scottish throne, the legal situation in Norway remained complex, as Norwegian law restricted the monarchy to male heirs.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Ascension and guardianship
The death of Alexander III in a riding accident on 18 March 1286 fundamentally shifted the Scottish political landscape. While Queen Yolanda of Dreux was initially expected to produce a posthumous heir, her child was stillborn in November. This necessitated the recognition of Margaret as the queen of Scotland. Because of her tender age, she remained in Norway, while six designated guardians were tasked with the administration of the Scottish government.
International negotiations
King Eric II of Norway engaged in lengthy diplomatic discussions with King Edward I of England regarding his daughter's future. The Treaty of Salisbury, signed in November 1289, solidified plans for Margaret to be sent to Great Britain. Edward I aimed to secure a marriage alliance between Margaret and his son, Edward of Caernarfon. While the Treaty of Birgham in July 1290 guaranteed that Scotland would retain its independence despite this potential personal union, Margaret died before she could arrive to be officially inaugurated at Scone.
Fast facts
- Born: 1283, Tønsberg
- Died: 1290, Orkney Islands
- Positions held: Monarch of Scotland (1286-1290)
- Father: King Eric II of Norway
- Mother: Margaret of Scotland
- Burial site: Bergen Cathedral
- Religion: Christianity
Questions readers ask
Was Margaret ever officially crowned?
No, she was never inaugurated, and her status as a monarch remains a subject of historical debate.
Why did she remain in Norway instead of moving to Scotland?
Her father, King Eric II, was reluctant to send his young daughter to Scotland due to the political instability and the internal power struggles among the Scottish magnates.
