Coming from an established, but not affluent, gentry background, the Blagges maintained strong connections with the exiled English court.

Margaret served in the household of the Queen Mother, Henrietta Maria, and accompanied her back to England at the Restoration.

Maids of honour received a small salary of £20 annually in addition to accommodation, but were expected to provide their own clothing.

She chose John Evelyn as a mentor and "spiritual father" in 1672, though the pair first met in 1669, when she approached him to assist with her financial affairs.

[2] John Evelyn wrote an account of her life in manuscript form; this was passed down through his family to Edward Venables-Vernon-Harcourt, who was the Archbishop of York.