Today, we're delving into a dark and dramatic tale from Edinburgh’s past—an incident that took place on August 31, 1535. It’s a story of family conflict, financial disputes, and ultimately, murder. This is the tale of Alison Rough, her daughter Katherine, and the tragic death of Alexander Cant.
Alison Rough was no ordinary woman of her time. Born in 1485, she was raised in Edinburgh, likely in a well-off family. In 1505, she married Jasper Maine, a merchant and lawyer. Alison’s life took a dramatic turn in 1513 when Jasper was killed at the Battle of Flodden, a disastrous conflict for Scotland that claimed the lives of many of the country's men. With her husband gone, Alison didn’t retreat into grief. Instead, she stepped into his shoes, taking over his business interests, which included a significant portfolio of properties in Edinburgh’s Old Town.
The early 16th century was a time when women, particularly widows, were often left to fend for themselves. Yet Alison Rough distinguished herself as a formidable businesswoman. She was sharp, determined, and knew her legal rights, even though she was illiterate—a common condition for women of her era. By 1514, she had remarried, this time to Thomas Lauriston, but the marriage didn’t last, and they divorced in 1517.
Alison’s legacy might have been that of a successful, if ruthless, businesswoman, had it not been for the events that transpired after her daughter Katherine’s marriage in 1531. Katherine wed Alexander Cant, a rich burgess of Edinburgh. As part of the marriage arrangement, Alison was supposed to provide a substantial dowry of 400 merks and some property, including a house in Peebles Wynd where Alison and Katherine had lived. However, true to her shrewd nature, Alison held back on the payments, leading to increasing tensions within the household.
Alexander Cant was no stranger to marriage—this was his third—but despite his experience, he found himself entangled in what would prove to be a dangerous relationship. While he owned property, his financial resources were limited, making the promised dowry from Alison crucial for his financial stability. However, even after years of marriage, he had not received the full amount.
The situation came to a head in August 1535, when a third party, an Edinburgh merchant, sued Alison, claiming that the property she had included in the dowry actually belonged to him. The court ruled in his favor on August 31, 1535, leaving both Alison and Alexander seething with anger as they returned home.
What followed was a night of intense conflict. Whether the argument started with Alison defending her business practices or with Alexander demanding what was owed to him, we will never know. But what is certain is that the quarrel escalated violently. Katherine, who had been a quiet presence in this turbulent household, suddenly became an active participant. Seizing a pair of fire tongs, she brutally beat her husband to death.
The murder shocked Edinburgh. Alison and Katherine were quickly arrested, tried, and found guilty of the crime. Alison Rough, once a respected figure, was condemned to death by drowning—a common method of execution for women at the time. Her execution took place on September 3, 1535, just days after the murder. Katherine, however, was spared immediate execution because she was pregnant. She later managed to escape from Scotland, fleeing first to England and then to Germany, thus evading justice.
The story of Alison Rough and the murder of Alexander Cant offers a glimpse into the darker side of Scottish history—a tale of ambition, betrayal, and the deadly consequences of family disputes. It also highlights the harsh realities of life in 16th-century Scotland, where even the most powerful women could face brutal ends.
Thank you for joining us on this journey through history. Tune in tomorrow for another episode of "This Day in Scottish History." I'm Colin MacDonald, Haste Ye Back!
