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Death of Margaret, Maid of Norway, Triggers Succession Crisis
In September 1290 Margaret, Scotland's lawful queen, died near Orkney aged seven en route from Norway for her coronation, ending the Scottish royal l…
Timeline
- 1290Bergen · NorwayAfter negotiations among Scotland, England, and Norway, seven-year-old Queen Margaret set out from Norway by sea for her Scottish coronation, with the realm hopeful an end to the regency and the arrival of a queen.
- 1290Orkney Islands · Orkney IslandsMargaret fell ill and died in the waters near the Orkney Islands, extinguishing Scotland's lawful line of succession. News reaching Scotland threw the regency government into chaos as noble factions began vying for the throne.
- 1290Scotland · ScotlandMargaret's death prompted thirteen claimants to the throne, sharply intensifying the Bruce–Balliol rivalry. Edward I intervened as overlord to arbitrate, opening the Great Cause of 1291–1292 and placing Scottish independence under unprecedented threat.
Sources
- Duncan, A.A.M. The Kingship of the Scots, 842-1292 — A.A.M. Duncan (2002)
- Prestwich, Michael. Edward I — Michael Prestwich (1997)
- Oxford Dictionary of National Biography: Margaret, Maid of Norway https://www.oxforddnb.com/