Gone Medieval Scotland's Medieval Queens
Feb 27, 2026
Sharon Bennett Connolly, historian and author of Scotland's Medieval Queens, brings medieval Scottish royal women to life. She traces Saint Margaret’s exile and reforms, Margaret of England’s political marriage and tragic early death, and Elizabeth de Burgh’s captivity and role in Robert the Bruce’s story. Short, vivid portraits highlight bravery, political maneuvering, and dynastic drama.
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Saint Margaret's Lasting Religious Reforms
- Saint Margaret reshaped Scottish religion and royal culture through personal example and reforming practices toward Rome.
- Sharon Bennett Connolly cites Turgo and Margaret's reforms to Lent, tonsure, and leper care as lasting influences on medieval Scotland.
Piety Plus Power Made Reforms Stick
- Margaret of Wessex (St Margaret) combined austere personal piety with royal display to persuade Scots to accept church reforms.
- Malcolm III's backing made her reforms effective; she practiced washing lepers' feet and strict fasting herself.
Three Deaths That Upended Scottish Succession
- Malcolm III dies besieging a Northumbrian castle and Edward (their heir) is wounded; Margaret, already ill, dies days later after hearing the news.
- Sharon recounts Edward's death at Jedburgh and the secret removal of Margaret's body from Edinburgh Castle under siege.
