St Margaret Painting
Beneath the south side of the east wall within the Chapel of the Nine Altars is the altar to St Margaret of Scotland (1046-1093) and her portrait by Portuguese artist Dame Paula Rego, DBE (1935-2022).
The Scottish queen ruled from 1070-1093 and was a key player in the reform of the Scottish Church. Much loved, she became a saint in 1249 for her work with vulnerable people, and is buried at Dunfermline Abbey.
History
A life of faith
Known fondly as “The Pearl of Scotland” St Margaret was an exiled princess who fled England with her family in 1068 after the Norman Conquest.
On their way to the continent, a storm caused them to land in Fife, Scotland. Margaret gained protection from the Scottish King Malcolm III and marriage followed. This meant the end of her dream of a religious life, but she remained dedicated to her faith in other ways.
She oversaw the building of monasteries and churches, including a new Benedictine abbey at Dunfermline. St Margaret also established a crossing point on the Firth of Forth for pilgrims on their way to St Andrew’s Cathedral.
She was very active in the Reform of the Scottish church and convinced a community of monks from Canterbury to venture up to Dunfermline to form the first Benedictine house in Scotland.
Things to look for
Caught between war and prayer
The Book of Gospels on Margaret’s lap was one of her most treasured possessions. Her hand is pointing to her book and the other hand is on the shoulder of her son. There is also a small battle axe placed in the hands of David and a helmet behind him.
We are reminded of Margaret's real-life experiences as she watched her husband and sons go off to war, her faith tested.
Did you know?
A broken heart
The portrait shows St Margaret nearing the end of her life. It is said that her husband Malcom III was present at the laying of Durham Cathedral’s foundation stone in 1093. Margaret was planning on accompanying him but was too ill.
Later in 1093 Malcom III and their eldest son were both killed fighting William II of England in the Battle of Alnwick. Two days after hearing this news Margaret died while praying.
Interesting facts
St Margaret’s Day
The portrait is a pastel drawing and shows Margaret with David, one of her eight children who became the Scottish King David I. In 2004 the portrait was placed beside her altar and was formally dedicated on St Margaret’s Day, 16 November 2005.
Follow the guided tour
You’re in: The Chapel of the Nine Altars You’re at: St Margaret Painting Next stop: The Scottish Soldiers
- Next to the St Margaret artwork is an altar
- Look on the floor to the left of the altar
- Here you will see an engraved brass plaque