Marion Boyd

Marion Boyd ( late 15th century) of Bonshaw, also known as Margot or Margaret, was a mistress of King James IV of Scotland, and his first important mistress.

She was the daughter of Archibald of Nariston and Bonshaw (dead before May 1507), and his wife Christian Mure (still living on 28 January 1523). She had two brothers, Robert of Bonshaw and Patrick. She had also a sister, whose name is not known, married, first, to Hugh Mure of Polkellie, and, secondly, to Archibald Craufurd of Craufurdland, and another sister, Elizabeth, married to Thomas Douglas, younger of Lochleven.

Marion and James IV had two children who reached adulthood: Alexander, Archbishop of St Andrew, born about 1490, and Catherine, who married James Douglas, 3rd Earl of Morton.

Marion also had an illegitimate son with James Hamilton, 1st Earl of Arran. Their son James Hamilton of Finnart was born illegitimate about 1495 but was later legitimated in 1512. Her three granddaughters were mentally ill and declared legally incompetent.

She was related to Thomas Boyd, Earl of Arran, and a niece of Elizabeth Boyd, the second wife of Archibald Douglas, 5th Earl of Angus. Her relationship with the king was linked with the rise and fall of Angus's influence at the court.

Genealogical table