Margaret of Scotland is the subject of this saint medal. When her beloved homeland of England was invaded by William the Conqueror, the daughter of the defeated King Edward was no longer safe. She and her mother sought refuge in Scotland, where they were welcomed by King Malcolm, another royal refugee. Malcolm and Margaret married, despite huge differences in their personalities: she was prayerful, kind, generous, holy and quiet; he was hot-tempered, rude, noisy and fond of war. But Margaret brought out the best in her husband: he quieted his temper, and 'became attentive to works of justice, mercy, almsgiving and other virtues', according to Margaret's biographer, Turgot. She opened the palace doors to the sick and poor, to feed and clothe those in need. She used her influence to advocate church reform, and revived the practices of the Lenten fast, refraining from work on Sundays, and Easter communion. The happy couple was married nearly twenty-five years when war broke out between Scotland and England. Her husband and one of her eight children were killed; she died four days after receiving the news. Her feast day is November 16. She is patron of the death of children, parents of large families, widows and queens.

This sterling silver, penny-size St Margaret medal conveys her royal state by the crown on her head, and her generous spirit by the two bags of money she holds, which she used to feed the poor. Her image is surrounded by her engraved name, bordered by a highly polished edge. The 18 inch, stainless steel curb-style chain is rhodium-plated to preserve its brilliant finish. Packaged in a green velvet hinged box.

Catalog number 1143