Micheline Stuart

Margaret Home, Countess of Moray, was a Scottish aristocrat who lived until 1683. She was the eldest daughter of Alexander Home, 1st Earl of Home, and Mary Sutton. Her life was marked by her marriage to James Stuart, Lord Doune, and later Earl of Moray. Together, they refurbished their home at Donibristle, employing artisans and installing notable features like a Mercury fountain. Margaret was also involved in managing family finances and estates, particularly after her husband's death.

She is recognized for compiling three recipe books with the assistance of a clerk, which included family medicinal recipes and culinary suggestions from others. Her personal library contained various books, including sermons and works by Esther Inglis, alongside practical guides on husbandry, plants, and physic. Despite facing challenges with her sons and managing debts, Margaret retained considerable wealth and property throughout her widowhood. Her estate was substantial, with a significant amount of silver plate discovered after her death.

Margaret Home was born into a prominent Scottish noble family, being the eldest daughter of Alexander Home, 1st Earl of Home, and Mary Sutton. Her upbringing placed her within a network of influential relatives, including her brothers James, who became the 2nd Earl of Home, and her sister Anne, who married John Maitland, 1st Duke of Lauderdale. Her early life and education were shaped by the traditions and expectations of her aristocratic standing. The author Patrick Hannay even dedicated his work "A happy husband or, Directions for a Maide to choose her Mate" to her, suggesting an early recognition of her status or character.

In 1627, Margaret married James Stuart, Lord Doune, heir to the Earl of Moray. The couple established their household, notably at Donibristle House. They undertook significant renovations, engaging English artisans to enhance the property with features such as a fountain depicting Mercury balanced on a tortoise. Their home was also a repository of valuable items, including an expensive telescope purchased in London and a library containing sermons, works by Esther Inglis, and practical guides like Markham's Husbandry and Parkinson's Herbal. Margaret herself compiled three recipe books, documenting family remedies and culinary traditions, with the help of a clerk and contributions from individuals like Mistress Young.

Margaret Home navigated considerable financial and familial challenges throughout her life. After her brother's death, she received a portion of the barony of Home. Following her husband's death in 1653, she continued to manage her estates, including Moray House in Edinburgh and the grounds at Donibristle, until her death in 1683. She demonstrated financial acumen, transferring lands to her husband to settle debts and, as a widow, retaining significant wealth in her own name. Despite issues involving her sons, Francis and Archibald, and the recovery of stolen goods, Margaret maintained her position and property. Her legacy included a substantial fortune in silver plate discovered posthumously.