Isabel Williamson

Married to Thomas Williamson, a prominent merchant from Edinburg who ran a successful business with Flanders in the 1450s, Isabel became acquainted with the commercial business during her husband’s life.

After her husband’s death around 1474, Isabel inherited the business and began to run it independently, at the same time gradually introducing their son John to business. Around that time John was called in the sources as “Isabel Williamson’s son”, which serves as a confirmation of her reputation in the contemporary community.

Isabel served as a supplier of the royal court, traded in cloth with Europe and had an important part in the Scottish textile industry. She continued to trade until the 1490s. With the profits obtained in trade, she purchased substantial property, including Mortonhall near Edinburgh. She also acquired burgess status, which was unusual for a woman of that time.

Interested in charity, Isabel endowed the altar of St Lawrence in St Giles' church in Edinburgh in 1489.