Margaret Forrat

Margaret Forrat or Margaretha Forrat ( – 1653) was a Scottish noblewoman and landowner who gained money from the Swedish monarchy. Life Details of her birth are unknown although her father, John Forratt was from Fife. Her father and brother, Captain Alexander Forrat, were mercenaries in Sweden. She comes to notice when she married Sir James Spens of Wormiston in 1624. His will six years later documents their possessions. She was to receive fifteen farms and their house in Ala, Uppland and she would retain five of these farms even if she remarried. The ten farms would go to their son. Her husband's will dated 1631 made small gifts to his daughters from his first marriage as they had already received dowries. His will seems to be concerned that his children might make demands upon his widow and for this reason he made appointed two guardians.