the Union of the Crowns might never have taken place and Scotland might have remained an independent country. This idea has been the theme of numerous historical novels and popular histories. Serious historians are skeptical of the theory. It is not supported by the contemporary evidence, and is first recorded in the history of the Drummond family written by Viscount Strathallan in 1681. Her death was probably a case of accidental food poisoning, a common cause of death at that time. The idea that James IV had to be pressured to marry Margaret Tudor is dubious. Scotland was the less important and poorer country, therefore peace was of vital importance to the Stewarts. Negotiations for the marriage had been taking place before Margaret Drummond died in 1501. Following the Cornish Rising in 1497, Henry VII had sought peace on the northern frontier by an alliance with James IV. See also Clan Drummond List of poisonings References External links Clan Drummond website which repeats dubious legends A pedigree of the Drummonds Year of birth unknown 1501 deaths Deaths from food poisoning Margaret Drummond Mistresses of James IV of Scotland People from Perthshire 15th-century Scottish women 16th-century Scottish women Death conspiracy theories Year of birth uncertain Daughters of barons People of Linlithgow Palace