Douglas Genealogy

DOUGLAS
1. WILLIAM-
A family fable gives the origin of the Douglas family in the 8th century during the reign of Solvathius,
King of Scots. Donald Bane of the Western Isles invaded Scottish territory and routed the King's forces. An
unknown warrior with his followers came to the King's aid and in the ensuing battle Donald was killed.
When the King asked who the warrior was the stranger was pointed out to him with the Gaelic words
"Sholto Dhu-glas" or "Behold the dark man". The King supposedly rewarded him with a large tract of land
in Lanarkshire which was called Douglas after him.
Another theory states that the founder of the family was a Fleming named Theobald who came to Scotland
about 1150 and as a servant of Arnald, Abbot of Kelso received from him a grant of land on "Dhu-glas" or
Douglas water.
William of Dufglas witnessed a charter from Joceline, Bishop of Glasgow to the monks of Kelso between
1175 and 1199. He also attended the court of William the Lion and his name often occurs as a witness to
William's charters.
William was either the brother or brother-in-law of Sir Freskin de Kerdale in Moray. In his "Cronykil"
Wyntoun states:
"Of Murrawe and the Douglas

How that thare begynnyng was,
Syn syndry men spekes syndryly
I can put that in na story.
But in thare armeyis both thai bere
The Sternys (stars) set in Iyk manere;
Til mony men it is phit sene
Apperand Iyk (seeming as if) that thai had bene
Of kyn be descens Igneale
Or be branchys collaterele."
Issue-
 2I. ERKENBALD or ARCHIBALD- m.? MARGARET De CRAWFORD, d.c.1240
 II. Brice- prior of Lesmahago and in 1203 Bishop of Moray
 III. Fretheskin- parson of Douglas and later Dean of Moray
 IV. Hugh- Canon of Spynie and Archdeacon of Moray
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DOUGLAS
 V. Alexander- Canon of Spynie, Vicar of Elgin
 VI. Henry- Canon of Spynie
Ref:
"The Scottish Nation"- William Anderson, A. Fullarton & Co., Edinburgh, 1880
"History of the House of Douglas"- Rt. Hon. Sir Herbert Maxwell, Freemantle & Co., London, 1902, Vol.I,
pp.9-16 "Cronykil"- Wyntoun, B.VIII, c.7
"History of the Douglasses"- David Hume of Godscroft, 1643-4
"Caledonia"- George Chalmers, Vol.I, p.579

"Origines Parochiales Scotiae"- Vol.I, p.155
2I. ARCHIBALD (WILLIAM 1)
m.? MARGARET De CRAWFORD

d. 1240
He was a witness to a confirmation by Jocelyn, Bishop of Glasgow of a toft of land in Glasgow to the
monks of Melrose (1179-1199). He acquired the lands of Livingstone & Herdmanston in Lothian and must
have been knighted before 1226 as he is called dominus Archibald de Dufglas in a charter.
Douglas Castle
Issue-
109
DOUGLAS
 3I. WILLIAM- m.1. ?, 2. ? Constance Battail of Fawdon, Northumberland, d. 1276
 23II. ANDREW- of Dufglas
Ref:
pp.16-7
"Liber Collegii Nostre Domine de Glascii"- Maitland Club, 1846, X, 235
"Liber de Melros"- I, 214
3I. WILLIAM (WILLIAM 1, ARCHIBALD 2)
m.1. ?
2. ? Constance Battail of Fawdon, Northumberland
d. 1276
In the absence of documentary proof it must be assumed that William "Long-leg" was the son of Archibald
as he was the third recorded owner of the lands.
William was a witness to charters in 1240 and 1248 and is mentioned in the Pipe Rolls in 1241 as a surety
for a payment by Michael Fitz Michael of Ryhulle. In 1256 he granted the lands of Warentham of
Warndon, Northumberland to his second son William. (1)
About 1264 William purchased the house and lands of Fawdon, Northumberland. These he held as a vassal
of the Earl of Angus who was the English knight Gilbert de Umfraville, Lord of Redesdale who asked
Prince Edward to return the manor of Fawdon. The case was tried before a jury and Douglas was acquitted
and Fawdon was restored to him. Umfraville then attacked the house of Fawdon with 100 men on 19 July
1267 captured it and took 31 1/2 marks in cash, silver spoons, cups, clothes, arms jewels, gold rings, etc. to
the value of £100, carried William off and imprisoned him in Harbottle Tower. In the battle young William
was wounded in the neck and almost died. A second trial followed in 1269 where Douglas was judged
owner of Fawdon and Umfraville was fined.(3)
Issue-
 I. Hugh- m. Margery de Abernethy, d.s.p. before 1288. The indenture between Sir Hugh de Abernethy
and Sir William de Douglas for this marriage is the earliest charter of the Douglases which survives.
"Pattane Purdie brack a chaise/ Upon the Lord Douglas;/ Hugh Lord Douglas turned againe,/And there was
Patton Purdie slaine."(2)
 4II. WILLIAM- m.1. ELIZABETH STEWARD (d. before 1288), 2. 1288 ELEANOR LOVAINE
(m.1. William de Ferrers, Lord of Groby), d. 1302
Ref:
(1) "Calendar of Documents Relating to Scotland 1108-1509"-Joseph Bain, H.M. Gen. Reg. House,
Edinburgh, 1881-8, Vol.I, p.394
(2) Maitland's MS, Hamilton Palace, quoted by William Fraser in "The Douglas Book", 1885
(3) "Placitorum Abbreviatio"- p.166; Bain- Vol.I, p.485
pp.18-9
110
DOUGLAS
4II. WILLIAM (WILLIAM 1, ARCHIBALD 2, WILLIAM 3)
m.1. ELIZABETH, daughter of Alexander the Steward (d. before 1288)

2. 1288 ELEANOR, daughter of Matthew, Lord of Lovaine (m.1. William de Ferrers, Lord of Groby)
d. 1302
At the assize held at Newcastle upon Tyne in 1256 his father reported that he had granted William a
carucate of land at Warendon in Northumberland for his homage and service.(1)
William then succeeded his brother in 1288. Also in 1288 Duncan, Earl of Fife was murdered by Sir Hugh
de Abernethy who was subsequently captured and handed over to William by Sir Andrew de Moray to be
imprisoned in the vaults of Douglas castle. In 1291 Edward I as overlord of Scotland ordered the transfer of
Abernethy to a royal prison but his command was not obeyed and Hugh died at the castle in 1293 not being
able to survive the rigors and filth of this mediaeval dungeon.(2)
Ruins of Douglas Castle
In 1289 William sent a messenger from Glasgow to the Abbot of Kelso to receive his family charters which
had been stored in the cell of Lesmahagow for safety.(3)
111
DOUGLAS
A certain wealthy widow, Eleanor, widow of William de Ferrers had obtained from King Edward a
handsome dowry from her husband's English lands and also from his possessions in five Scottish counties.
While coming north to collect her rents in 1288 she stayed at Tranent castle with Eleanor de Zouch, widow
of Alan de Zouch. One morning William along with John Wishart arrived with a large force and carried off
Dame Eleanor to be his wife. King Edward was not pleased and on 28 Jan. 1289 he ordered the sheriff of
Northumberland to seize all of William's Northumberland possessions and to imprison him if he could find
him. The sheriff reported in April that he had seized all of William's lands within his jurisdiction as well as
those of John Wishart and wanted a special mandate to seize Wishart's land within the jurisdiction of
Thomas de Normanville. On 27 March Edward demanded the immediate arrest of William and Eleanor
from the Guardians of Scotland, but they did not reply perhaps because William had powerful friends at
court, two of the Regents being his brothers in law James Stewart and Comyn, Earl of Buchan. William
however was captured and imprisoned in Leeds castle but he was released in May 1290 and his and John
Wishart's lands were returned on condition that they appear before the King within 15 days from 27 Jan.
1291. Eleanor was fined £100 for marrying without the King's leave, but she was not able to pay and
Edward confiscated her estates in Essex and Hereford in 1296.(4)
William signed the treaty of Salisbury in Nov. 1289 which approved of the marriage between the Prince of
Wales and Queen Margaret. He was a M.P. 18 July 1290 at Birgham.
On 5 July 1291 William "the Hardy" swore allegience to Edward I in the chapel of Thurston in East
Lothian. At the end of 1291 William's land in Douglasdale was forfeited to King Edward for some
unknown transgressions.(5) William failed to attend the Parliament at Scone on 10 Feb. 1293 and was
proclaimed a defaulter. He however attended the second Parliament of King John Balliol at Stirling 3 Aug.
1293 when he was imprisoned by John. While in prison under King John's warrant he should have been on
his lands in Essex on the service of King Edward who fined him £20 for his absence, but the fine was
remitted "whereas our beloved and faithful William of Douglas was in our prison by our instruction."(6)
William later attacked the English and in 1296 was governor of the castle of Berwick when the town was
besieged be Edward on 29 March 1296 with 35,000 men. The town was taken by storm 30 March 1296 and
7,500 were killed, the massacre leaving a dark stain on Edward's memory:
"Thus thai slayand ware sa fast

All the day, qwhill (until) at the last
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DOUGLAS
This Kyng Edward saw in the tyde
A woman slayne, and off hyr syde
A barne (child) he was fall out, sprewland
Besyd that woman slayne Iyand.
'Lasses, lasses!' (laissez) than cryid he;
'Leve off,- Leve off!' that word suld be."(7)
After the garrison had surrendered and was allowed to March out with military honors William was
detained as a prisoner in one of the towners of the castle called Hog's Tower. His lands in Essex were
seized and the sheriff of Essex reported that he had arrested at Stebbing William's son Hugh who was
nearly two years old.(8) In the same year he renewed his oath to Edward in Edinburgh when he signed the
Ragman Roll and on 30 Aug. 1296 his land in Scotland was restored to him by order of the King but his
English possessions were forfeited thus destroying all reason for William to remain faithful to England.
Berwick Castle
In May 1297 he joined Sir William Wallace and had his estates invaded by Robert Bruce, Earl of Carrick
and his wife and children were carried off to Lochmaben. William was released at Berwick but failing to
produce the stipulated hostages was imprisoned again. On 24 July the Constable of Berwick wrote to King
Edward: "Sir William de Douglas is in your castle of Berwick in irons, and in safe keeping, God be
thanked, and for a good cause, as one who has well deserved it. And I pray you, if it be your good pleasure,
let him not be liberated for any profit or influence, until you know what the matters amount to in regard to
him personally." (9)
In a later letter the Constable says" "Sir William de Douglas has not kept the covenants he made with Sir
Henry de Percy; he is in your castle of Berwick in my keeping, and he is still very savage and very abusive,
but I shall keep him in such wise that if it please God he shall not escape." After Wallace's victory at
Stirling 11 Sept. 1297 the English evacuated Berwick taking William with them. He was taken to the tower
of London and died there before Jan. 1299 when Edward restored Eleanor's dower lands but the lands of
Douglasdale were given to Sir Robert de Clifford. There was still £81 due in regards to the fine for
abducting Eleanor, this was taken out of William's estate of Fawdon.(10)
113
DOUGLAS
The Tower of London
Issue- first child by Elizabeth, last two by Eleanor
 5I. JAMES- d. 25 Aug. 1330, Spain

 II. Hugh-
 6III. ARCHIBALD- m. BEATRICE LINDSAY, d. 22 July 1333
Ref:
(1) "Calendar of Documents Relating to Scotland 1108-1509"- Joseph Bain, H.M. General Register House,
Edinburgh, 1881-8, I, 394
(2) "The Douglas Book"- William Fraser, C.B. 1885, IV, I
(3) Liber de Calchou- I, 168
(4) Cal. of Doc.- II, 92-3, 123
(5) Rotuli Scotiae- I, 7
(6) "Documents Illustrative of the History of Scotland 1286- 1306"- Rev. J. Stevenson, H.M. Gen. Reg.
House, Edinburgh, 1870, I, 403
(7) "The Orygynale Cronykil of Scotland"- Andrew of Wyntoun, VIII, 9
(8) Cal. of Doc.- II, 173
(9) "Documents Illustrative of the History of Scotland 1286- 1306"- Rev. J. Stevenson, H.M. Gen. Reg.
House, Edinburgh, 1870, II, 205
(10) Cal. of Doc.- II, 269, 437
"History of the House of Douglas"- Vol.I, pp.20-8

5I. JAMES (WILLIAM 1, ARCHIBALD 2, WILLIAM 3, WILLIAM 4)
114
DOUGLAS
d. 25 Aug. 1330, Spain
"The Good Sir James" had taken refuge in Paris where he lived for 3 years returning to Scotland after his
father's death in 1302 and was appointed page in the household of Lamberton, Bishop of St. Andrew. While
Edward was besieging Stirling in the spring of 1304 James was brought to the King by Lamberton who
asked that James might be permitted to do homage and receive back his lands.
"What lands doth he claim?", said the King.

"The lordship of Douglas, under your pleasure, sire; whereof his father was lord."
"Sir bishop!", said the King "you cannot by your fealty speak of this to me. His father was a traitor; let him
seek land where he may; he shall not have these, for Clifford, who holds them, has ever served me loyally."
After Comyn's murder James joined the Bruce. His estate having been given to Lord Clifford by the
English King he was determined to het them back. James then went to Lamberton to inform him of his
decision: "thou hast seen how these English have spoiled me of my paternal property. Thou hast heard too
how the Earl of Carrick has openly asserted his claim to the crown whilst these trangers are leagued against
him and have determined to avenge the slaughter of Comyn and disinherit him as they have done me.
Therefore since these things are so I have resolved with your good leave to join my fortunes to Bruce and
share with him both weal and woe; nor do I despair, through his help to gain my lands in spite of Clifford
and all his kin."
"Grateful should I be in God my sweet son that thou went there!", replied the Bishop, "yet were I now
openly to give thee the means of joining him, it would work my ruin. Go then secretly and take from my
stable my own horse. Should the groom make any resistance spare not a blow to quell it. This will
exculpate me and thou mayest then obey they will." James followed these directions and rode to
Errickstane to meet Bruce on his way to Scone and swore allegience to him.
On Sunday 26 June 1306 Aymer de Valence attacked the Scots in the woods near Methven. King Robert
was unhorsed by Sir Philip de Mowbray and was rescued by Sir Christopher de Seton and escaped
accompanied by his brother Edward, the Earl of Athol, Gilbert De La Haye, Nigel Campbell and James
Douglas. They then wandered throughout the Highlands relying on James for their food:
"But worthy James of Douglas

Ay travaland (industrious) and besy was
for to purchas the ladyis met (meat),
and it on many wis (wise, manner) wald get.
For quhile (sometimes) he venesoun tham brocht,
And with his handis quhile he wrocht
Gynnis (snares) to tak geddis (pike) and samounis,
Troutis, elis and als menounis."(1)
They were attacked by John of Lorn at Dalry and James received a serious wound. This incident was
confirmed by a letter from King Edward to the Prince of Wales 14 Sept. acknowledging John of Lorn's
services.(2) The fugitives arrived at Loch Lomond and were not able to go around the loch as it was
guarded by the enemy. James found a sunken boat which he patched up, but it would only hold three
passesngers so they spent the whole night crossing the water. The group then proceeded to Rathlin island
where they spent the winter.
115
DOUGLAS
Rathlin Island
In the spring Sir Robert Boyd and James went to attack Brodick castle in Arran which was held by Sir John
Hasting. James and Robert landed at night near the castle and concelaed their galley, oars and tackle.
Hastings had several guests staying with him and that night several boats had arrived with food, drink and
weapons and the garrison was involved in unloading the cargo. While they were taking the provisions up to
the castle the Scots overpowered them. The people in the castle did not attempt to rescue them but closed
the gates letting Boyd and James make off with the booty.
Brodick Castle
116
DOUGLAS
During all the struggles of that period James was a staunch supporter of Bruce subduing the forests of
Selkirk and Jedburgh and recovering his castle of Douglas. James then went to Hazelaide to the home of
Thomas Dickson an old servant of his father who told them that the cruelty of the English garrison at castle
Douglas had paved the way for revolt. On Palm Sunday 19 March 1307 he surprised the English garrison at
the castle while they were at St. Bride's church. Douglas and his men disguised themselves and took their
places in the congregation and when one of the followers cried "A Douglas! A Douglas!" they attacked and
defeated the English. Not being able to keep the castle himself James removed all the valuables he could
carry, gold, silver, ammunition and armour. He then had all the meat, grain, ale and wine to be put in a pile,
he then killed all the prisoners and threw the bodies in the pile and created what his men called "the
Douglas Larder":
"For mele and malt and blud and wyn (wine)

Ran all togidder in a mellyn,
That was unsemly for to se:
Tharfor the men of that cuntre,
for sic thingis thar mellit (mingled) wer,
Callit it the Douglas lardener."(3)
James then threw all the dead horses into the well to make it useless. He then set fire to the place and
nothing was left standing.
St. Bride's Church- Douglas
The castle was rebuilt by the English and commanded by captain Thirlwall. James attacked the castle but
failed to capture it. James vowed that he would take revenge on anyone who would take possession of it. It
was afterwards known as the Perilous Castle of Douglas.
Aymer de Valence sent Sir John de Mowbray to attack King Robert, however near Kilmarnock he was
ambushed by James. On 10 May 1307 de Valence attacked Robert the Bruce at Loudon Hill and was badly
defeated. A letter written five days later by one of Edward's officers in Carlisle states that James de
Douglas had sent messengers to ask to be admitted to the King's service but he changed his mind when
Pembroke began to retreat.(4)
117
DOUGLAS
James next tried to recapture his castle:
"The aventurous castell of Douglass,

That to kep sa peralous was."
James sent 14 of his men dressed as peasants to lead horses carrying sacks stuffed with grass in view of the
castle. The English thought they were carrying corn to the Lanark fair and saw a chance for easy plunder.
Sir John de Wanton and his men left the castle to capture the convoy but as he approached the "peasants"
pushed off the sacks, mounted the horses and attacked while James and some other men attacked from the
rear completely destroying all resistence. The castle was again razed to the ground. This assault upon castle
Douglas was the main event in Scott's romance "Castle Dangerous". Arriving at a house on the Water of
Lyne where he meant to spend the night he found it occupied by the English. He then surrounded the house,
broke open the door and surprised the English most of whom escaped. However King Robert's nephew,
Thomas Randolph and Sir Alexander Bonkill were captured.
James then assisted Robert the Bruce in the battle against John of Lorn in Aug. 1308 with James attacking
the flank and rear of the Highlanders and scattering them in every direction.
James then laid siege to Dunstaffnage which was surrendered by Alexander of Argyle in time for James to
take his seat at the Parliament held at St. Andrews on 16 Mar. 1308/9.
118
DOUGLAS
Dunstaffnage Castle
The Scots then continued to raid northern England and in Sept. 1311 James looted Hartlepool.
On 6 March 1313 he took Roxburgh castle while the English garrison were making merry on the eve of
Lent. Sym of the Ledhouse had made rope ladders with grappling hooks to scale the walls and James with
60 men dressed in black shrouds crept up to the castle and went over the walls. They had surprised the
garrison at their dance in the great hall however Sir William de Fiennes held out in the castle keep until the
next day, but being mortally wounded in the face he surrendered. Because of this and other exploits the
English called James the "Black Douglas" while the Scots called him "the Good Sir James".
Roxburgh Castle
119
DOUGLAS
At the battle of Bannockburn 23 June 1314 he was in command of the centre division of the Scottish army,
but upon seeing that Randolph Moray was in trouble he requested the King's permission to go to his aid,
but was refused.
James replied: "My heart will not suffer me to stand by and see Randolph perish and therefore with your
leave I must go and aid him." The King consented and James went to his aid, but upon approaching the
battle he saw that the English were loosing and therefore he stopped his advance saying: "Randolph has
gained the day, let us not diminish his glory by sharing it."
The next morning with Walter the Steward and others he received the accolade from the King in the
presence of the whole army and was created the Lord of Douglas, a knight banneret which can only be
done on the field of battle.(see Vol. I, pp. 272-5)
After winning the battle James with 60 horsemen chased Edward as far as Dunbar where he escaped in a
fishing skiff to England:
"Alwais by tham ner

He let tham nocht haf sic laser (leisure)
As anis watir for to ma."(5)
The same year James along with Edward Bruce raided England and returned loaded with plunder. In
August they wasted Northumberland, penetrated Yorkshire as far as Teesdale, spared Durham after
payment of a heavy indemnity and returned by way of Westmorland.
James was at the Parliament at Cambushkenneth in Nov. 1314 and at the Parliament of Ayr on 25 Apr.
1315.(6)
James raided the bishopric of Durham and Hartlepool in June 1315. At the end of July he joined King
Robert in his attack of Carlisle but the seige was raised on 1 Aug.(7)
Carlisle Castle
120
DOUGLAS
King Robert and James were involved in an unsuccessful attack on Berwick on 10 Jan. 1316 when James
narrowly escaped in a small boat. On 14 Mar. some Gascon mercenaries raided Tweeddale but were
attacked by Sir William de Soulis, Sir Henry de Baliol and James at Scaith Moor in Coldstream parish.
James was appointed guardian of the kingdom while Robert the Bruce was in Ireland. The English took
advantage of this situation and sent the Earl of Arundel to Scotland. James was involved in the construction
of Lintalie castle and waited in ambush for Arundel at Jedwater and destroyed his army. Upon returning to
Lintalee James found the English making merry in the unfinished house. They were surprised and captured.
Sir Robert de Nevill, the Peacock of the North said that he was sick of hearing about James' valour and
vowed that he would attack him wherever he should see his banner. James then marched to Berwick where
he met the Peacock in single combat as this was considered most chivalrous. They charged at each other
with lances and the Peacock was killed. During the ensuing battle the English were defeated and Nevill's
three brothers were captured and held for a ransom of 2000 marks each.(8)
Another attack on Berwick was made on 28 March 1317 by King Robert, the Earls of Moray and March,
and James and they easily took possession of the town. That night most of the men slipped away to loot the
town and at dawn James and Moray found themselves without any guards. The army in the castle took
advantage of the opportunity and drove the Scots back, but the English were eventually repulsed and Sir
Roger de Horsley surrendered 16 weeks later on 20 July 1317.(9) Edward II then attacked Scotland on 24
July 1319 and King Robert sent James and Moray to create a diversion by invading England and to try to
capture the Queen at York. They did not get the Queen but they did overrun all the northern counties and
defeated Archbishop Melton and his army of monks at Myton-on-Swale 20 Sept. 1319 capturing the
Archbishop's plate and valuables. Because of the "Chapter of Myton" Edward II withdrew from Scotland.
On 6 May 1320 James received the lands, castle and forest of Jedburgh and the barony of Stabilgorton in
Eskdale. In the next year James received the barony of Watstirker (Westerkirk) in Eskdale as well as Ettick
Forest, the barony of Bedrule in Berwickshire and the lands of Cockburn.(10)
In Jan. 1321/2 Moray, Walter the Steward and James swept through Durham and Yorkshire and collected a
large amount of revenue for the Scottish exchequer. The king of England retaliated but he was compelled to
retreat due to starvation and James attacked the English at Melrose. In Oct. James and Moray attacked Sir
Ralph de Cobham who was defending an important pass in the ridge between Biland and Rielvaux. The
ground was very steep and the English rolled boulders down the sides followed by volleys of arrows. King
Robert ordered his Highlanders and Islesmen to scale the cliffs and scattered the English "like hares before
greyhounds" (Com du leuer devant leuereres).(11) The Earl of Richmond, Henry de Sully, Grand Butler of
France and several French knights were captured. Three of the knights had surrendered to James who was
therefore entitled to their ransom of 4400 marks. Instead of this King Robert granted to him a charter 8
Nov. 1324 giving him the criminal jurisdiction of all the Douglas possessions and freeing him from all
feudal services except the universal obligation for the defence of the realm: "And in order that this charter
may have perpetual effect, we in our own person and with our own hand have placed on the hand of the
said James and his heirs for ever."(12) James also received a grant of Baliol's lands of Buittle in Galloway
subject to the yearly tribute of a pair of gilded spurs.(13)
Moray and James crossed the border again on 15 March 1327 with 20,000 cavalry burning, spoiling and
slaying through Northumberland and Westmorland and camped at Weardale.(14) The English approached
from the north with seven columns. As the Scots lay on th south bank of the Wear the English offered to let
them cross enmolested so as to fight it out on a fair field or if they preferred they would be allowed to cross
for the same purpose. Moray wanted to accept the offer but James argued that there was nothing
dishonorable in using strategy against a superior force, so for several days the two enemies faced each other
across the river molesting each other at every opportunity. One morning 1000 English archers and cavalry
attacked the Scots but James placed a squadron of cavalry in ambush under his brother Archilbald, Earl of
Mar and rode back and forth himself in full view of the archers with a cloak concealing his armour hoping
to lure them to destruction. Robert de Ogle recognised James and rode back to his countrymen: "For God's
sake, have a care! Yon rider is the Black Douglas and he will have you in some trap presently." It was too
late, James blew his horn and the hidden squadron galloped forth and scattered the English. The Scots then
121
DOUGLAS
secretly moved camp and James rode across the river with 200 men and approached the English camp.
Coming to one of the outposts he was mistaken for an officer going his rounds and said: "Ha! St. George!
No watch here!" and he and his men dashed into the camp and cut the tent ropes and created great
confusion. They came to the royal pavilion and almost captured the king but the alarm was sounded by that
time and James and his men fled back to their camp. Moray wanted to fight the English but James replied:
"A certain fisherman returning to his cottage one night found a fox eating a fine salmon which he had left
there. The fisherman put himself in the only exit- the doorway and stood, sword in hand waiting for the fox.
But the fox was no simpleton, he was quite equal to the dilemma. The fisherman's cloak lay on the bed, this
the fox seized and drew it across the fire. The owner seeing his cloak burning started forward to save it and
the fox immediately boltetd through the unguarded door. Now we Scots are the fox, the King of England
the fisherman. He stands in the door and bars our return to our own land. He shall fare no better than the
fisherman whose salmon was eaten, whose cloak was burnt and from whom the fox escaped. I have
planned a way of escape, somewhat wet to be sure, but we shall not lose a single page in taking it." On 4
Aug. the Scots made a great show of preparation in their camp. A soldier was allowed to be taken prisoner
and told the English that Moray had issued orders for all troops to be ready to do battle an hour after sunset.
The English were alerted for a night attack, but as soon as it was dark the Scots marched back to Scotland
leaving several trumpeters behind to blow deceptive calls during the night. However the Scots attacked
England one month later and placed Northumberland at their mercy but a peace treaty was signed.
During the next two years James was in almost constant attendance of the ailing King at Cardross on the
Clyde. Upon the death of Robert the Bruce James as his oldest and most trusted companion was
commissioned to carry his heart to the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. This act was in defiance of a Bull of
Pope Boniface VIII issued in 1299 fobidding such mutilation of the dead and decreeing excommunication
as the penalty. Two years later due to the pleas of the Earl of Moray Pope John XXII granted absolution to
all who had part "in the inhuman and cruel treatment" of King Robert's body.
Teba, Spain
James sailed from Scotland in June 1330 and arrived in Sluys in Flanders where he learned that Alphonso
XI, King of Leon and Castile was at war with Osmyn, the Moorish King of Granada. Sir James and his
knights decided to help Alphonso fight against the infidels and sailed to Seville where they rode to
Alphonso's camp.(15) On 25 Aug. 1330 they defeated the Moors at Tebas a castle on the frontiers of
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DOUGLAS
Andalusia, but James pursued them too eargerly and in attempting to rejoin the main force he saw that Sir
Walter St. Clair of Roslin was surrounded by the enemy. With what few men he had left he attempted to go
to his aid, but was overrun with the Moors. James took the silver casket which contained the embalmed
heart of Bruce and threw it among the enemy saying: "Now pass thou onward before me, gallant heart, as
thou wert wont: Douglas will follow thee or die!" The "Good Sir James" was killed along with most of his
followers and his body and the silver casket containing Bruce's heart which was found on the battle field
were taken back to Scotland by Sir William de Keith and Sir Simon Lockhart. Bruce's heart was buried at
Melrose although his body was buried at the Royal tomb at Dunfermline and James' body was interred in
the tomb at St. Bride's church in Douglas where his son Archibald erected a monument to his memory.
123
DOUGLAS
James Douglas' Tomb- St. Bride's Church
Barbour wrote a portrait of the Black Douglas less than 50 years after his death:
"Bot he was nocht sa far (fair) that we

Suld spek gretly of his beaute.
In visage was he sumdele gray,
And had blak har, as I herd say;
Bot of limmis he was wele mad (well made),
With banes gret and schuldris brad;
His body was wele mad and lenyhe (lean),
As tha that saw him said to me.
Quhen he was blith he was lusty,
And mek and suet in cumpany.
Bot, quha in battale micht him se,
All othir contenans had he,
And in spek ulispit he sumdele (lisped a little),
Bot that sat him richt wondir wele."(16)
At Douglas castle lies a sword blade said to have been given to the Good Sir James by King Robert which
contains some inscriptions of later date:
124
DOUGLAS
"So mony guid as of the Douglas Beine,
Of ane surname was never in Scotland Seine.
I Wel ye charge, efter that I depart,
To Holy gravfe and thair bury by hart;
Let it remain ever, both tyme and hour,
to the last day I sic my saviour.
So I protest in tyme of al my Ringe (reign),
Ye lyk subjects had never ony Keing."
Issue-
 7I. ARCHIBALD- d. 1401
 37II. ?JOANNA- m.1. c.1345 HUGH GIFFARD (b.c.1322, d. before 16 Mar. 1366), 2. c.1366 Nigel
Cunningham, d. after 1400
 38III. WILLIAM- unmarried, killed at the battle of Halidon Hill 19 July 1333
Ref:
(1) "The Brus"- Barbour, XVII

(2) Bain- II, 490
(3) "The Brus"- Barbour, XLII
(4) Bain- II, 526
(5) "The Brus"- CIX, 55
(6) Act. Parl. Scot.- I, 14
(7) Lanercost- 230, 232
(8) Bain- III, 101
(9) Ibid- 115
(10) Fraser- III, 10
(11) "Scalacronica"- 150
(13) Ibid- 2
(14) Bain- III, 34, 167
(15) Ibid- 179
(16) "The Brus"- V, 107

7I. ARCHIBALD (WILLIAM 1, ARCHIBALD 2, WILLIAM 3, WILLIAM 4, JAMES 5)
d. 1401
125
DOUGLAS
Sir Archibald "the Grim" succeeded his cousin James who was killed at Otterburn in 1388 as 3rd Earl of
Douglas. Archibald's succession was disputed by Sir Malcolm Drummond, husband of Sir James' sister
Isabel, but Drummond's claim was set aside by Parliament at Holyrood in Apr. 1389 and Archibald became
the Earl of Douglas.
It is said that he surpassed all his peers in wisdom, prowess, in the extent of his acquisitions and in his
wealth. It is stated that "he was dark and ugly, more like a coco (cook boy) than a noble."(1)
In 1356 he went with William, Earl of Douglas to France and was taken prisoner by the English at the
battle of Poictiers 19 Sept. 1356. Then known as "Blac Archibalde" he was little regarded by his comrades
because of his bastardy.(2) He escaped with the help of Sir William Ramsay of Colluthie who treated him
as a lacquey who had put on his dead master's armour stating: "You treacherous hound, how dared you to
steal my cousin's armour. Cursed be the hour of your birth! For he sought you all day and for want of his
armour was slain by an arrow in camp, as I myself saw. Come!- pull off my boots."
Ramsay then ordered him to go to the battle field to search for his master's body stating: "go you rascal and
seek your master's body among the slain, so that we may at least give it honourable burial."(3) Before
returning to Scotland Archibald stayed at Bordeaux long enough to begin a clan of Douglases there.
"Sir Archilbald Douglas was a good knight and much feared by his enemies, when near to the English he
dismouted, and wielded before him an immense sword whose blade was two ells long, which another could
not have lifted from the ground, but he found no difficulty in handling it, and gave such terrible strokes that
all on whom they fell were struck to the ground."(4)
"He was callit Archibald Grym be the Englishmen, becaus of his terrible countenance in weirfair."(5)
In 1361 he was appointed Constable of Edinburgh Castle at a salary of 200 marks, an office which he held
with that of Sheriff of Edinburgh until about 1364."(6)
In the autumn of 1364 he was Warden of the West Marches, Annandale being in English hands. He was in
regular attendance in Parliament and in 1369 he was an embassador to France concerning the appeal which
David II's divorced wife Margaret Drummond had lodged with Pope Urban V at Avignon.(7)
On 18 Sept. 1369 King David appointed Archibald to rule the turbulent region of Galloway and gave him
all the lands between the Nith and the Cree "becaus he tuke grit trawell to purge the cuntrey of Englis
blude."(8)
In March 1371 two days after the coronation of Robert II he was sent to Paris "to swear on the King's soul
the renewal of the ancient alliance between Scotland and France."(9)
Thomas Fleming, Earl of Wigtown sold the lands and Earldom of Wigtownshire to Archibald the sale being
confirmed by Robert II 7 Oct. 1372.(10)
Archibald built a hospital at Devorguille's Abbey at Holywood near Dumfries and endowed it with the
lands of Crossmichael and Troqueer.
Archibald increased the size of his estate by marrying Joanna daughter and heiress of Sir Thomas Moray,
Lord of Bothwell.
The Castle of the Thrieve in Galloway on an island in the Dee was built by Archibald and during its
construction he lived in Loch Fergus near Kirkcudbright. As Warden he brought order to the tangled web
of Border law which was codified by his grandson.
126
DOUGLAS
Threave Castle
In 1385 Archibald joined Robert II in his invasion of England and again in 1388 along with the Earl of Fife.
While near Carlisle his son William joined him with a small force and made an unsuccessful attempt upon
Ireland.(11) Upon Sir James' death at Otterburn Archibald became the Earl of Douglas and Robert, Earl of
Fife became Guardian of Scotland and was a devoted friend of Archibald: "he luifit this Erle sa weill tht
thai never syuerit (severed) cumpanye fra other during the tyme of his government."(12) They marched
together into England in 1389 and pillaged the countryside. Afterwards a truce was agreed to which lasted
until 1399.
Archibald was an umpire at the duel between Thomas Struthers, an Englishman who had challenged
William Inglis, a Scot to combat at Rulehaugh in Bedrule. The two fought in the presence of the two
Wardens the Earls of Douglas and Northumberland until the Englishman was killed.
In 1399 the Duke of Rothesay was betrothed to Elizabeth, daughter of Dunbar, Earl of March for which
March paid a large sum to the King. Hearing this Archibald protested that the betrothal had not received the
consent of the Estates and supported by the council he offered his own daughter Marjorie as Rothesay's
bride together with a larger sum than March had paid. The king consented and Rothesay threw off
Elizabeth Dunbar and married Marjorie Douglas in Feb. 1400. March demanded the fulfilment of his
pledge or the return of his money. The king did not want to offend the powerful Douglas and he had spent
all of the money. He thus returned an evasive answer and March promptly went to the English court. Henry
IV then invaded Scotland.(13) Sir Archibald and his new son-in-law the Duke of Rothesay successfully
defended Edinburgh castle against the English king in Aug. 1400.
Archibald witnessed a charter at Renfrew on 5 Oct. 1400 but he must have died before 9 Feb. 1400/1 when
his widow Joanna made a grant to her son Archibald, 4th Earl of Douglas. Grey's manuscript states that he
died on Christmas Eve 1400 at Thrieve Castle and was buried at Bothwell.(14)
"He wes a lord off gret bownte,

Off stedfastness and clere lawte (loyalty);
He wes off gud devotionne;
Off justice he bare gret renown.
127
DOUGLAS
But (without) dout he endit graciously,
And lyvis in joy perpetualy."(15)
Issue- first three children by Joanna
 I. Archibald- 4th Earl of Douglas, m. Princss Margaret Stewart, d. battle of Verneuil, Normandy 1424
 8II. JAMES- m.1. ? Lady Beatrix Stewart (d.s.p.), 2. before Mar. 1426 BEATRIX SINCLAIR, d. 24
Mar. 1443 Abercorn
 III. Marjorie- m.1. David, Duke of Rothesay, 2. Sir Walter Haliburton of Dirleton, Treasurer of
Scotland
 9IV. WILLIAM- m. Princess EGIDIA STEWART, murdered 1390 Danzig (Gdansk)
Ref:
(1) Bower
(2) Pluscarden- I, 300
(3) Fordun- II, 358; Pluscarden- I, 300
(4) Froissart- II, c.10
(5) Registrum Magni Sigilli- I, 106
(6) Rotuli Scotiae- I, 957; Charters of St. Giles- pp.11, 15, 19
(7) Exchequer Rolls- II, 356
(8) Reg. Mag. Sig.- I, 69; Maitland MS- quoted by Fraser- I, 328
(9) Exchequer Rolls- II, 363
(10) Reg. Mag. Sig.- I, 114
(11) Wyntoun- IX, c.8; Fordun- II, 404
(12) Maitland MS- quoted by Fraser- I, 342
(13) Pluscarden- II, 255
(14) Antiquities of Aberdeen & Banff- II, 290; III, 363; The Swintons of that Ilk- appendix X, XI; Fraser- I,
347
(15) Wyntoun- IX, c.21

8II. JAMES (WILLIAM 1, ARCHIBALD 2, WILLIAM 3, WILLIAM 4, JAMES 5, ARCHIBALD 6)
m.1. ? Lady Beatrix Stewart (d.s.p.)

2. before March 1426 BEATRIX SINCLAIR, daughter of Henry, Earl of Orkney
d. 24 March 1443 Abercorn, bur. St. Bride's Church in Douglas
128
DOUGLAS
Called James the Gross of Balvany, Banffshire he was a prudent and peaceable man and succeeded his
grand- nephew after his execution.
Isabella, Countess of Douglas & Mar bestowed upon Archibald Douglas the barony of Cavers, but because
this had been done without the King's consent Robert III cancelled the gift and gave the barony to Sir David
Fleming in Aug. 1405.(1) James the Gross undertook to wipe out this affront in blood. In Feb. 1406 when
Fleming was returning from North Berwick, James attacked him as he rode across Lang Herdmanston
Moor. Fleming was killed and his men captured.
James' possessions were very extensive and included Balvany and Bocharn in Banff, Avoch, Edderdan,
Stratherne and Brachly in Inverness, Aberdour and Rattray in Aberdeen, Kilmalaman and one third of
Duffus in Elgin, Abercorn in Linlithgow, Avondale and Pettinain in Lanark and Stewarton in Ayr.(2)
James was Warden of the Marches and was one of the jury in the trial of Murdock, Duke of Albany in
1425. In 1437 he was made Earl of Avondale and Lord Balvany by James I and was appointed Justice
General of Scotland. As a judge his progress was not without problems as Egidia Douglas, Countess of
Orkney complained to the council in May 1438 of the destruction of her lands in Nithsdale by James's
followers. The contess stated that if any attempt were made to hold another court on her lands she would
stop the proceedings.(3) James had the habit of helping himself to the public funds. Many occasionsn are
on record when he extorted money from the King's collectors to which he was not entitled or compelled
them not to place a duty on his wool.(4)
After the battle of Shrewsbury, Percy, Earl of Northumberland sought refuge in Berwick and entered a
friendly relationship with James as Warden of the Marches, but no sooner had Percy left the city than
James' soldiers burned it to the ground. King Henry accused James of a breach of truce and violation of his
oath as Warden to which James replied:
"And quhar yhe say that Berwike that standis in Scotlande, the qwhilk toun yhe call yhouris in yhour sayde
lettres, and certayne landis of yhouris wythin Inglande was brende be my men, my will and myn assent,
brekand the trewis, and nocht in yhouris, and in the contrar of myn athe, tharto I answer in this maner,
that qwhat tyme it like to our lige Lorde the Kynge, and to yhour hee Excellent, to ordaine redress to be
made be his commissaris and yhouris of all attemptatis done of aythir syde, I sall, with the help of Gode,
make it well kennyt that I haff trewly kepit myn athe and the trewis, as afferys to me of resoun. And
qwhawer enfurmit yhour Excelence that I hade brokyn myn athe it had bene fayrar for him to haffe sende
me that querelle into wryt undir his selle (seal), and til haff tane answere greable as afferit to him under
129
DOUGLAS
my seelle agayne, than sua untrewly in myn absence till enfourme yhour Excellence, for I trayst he has
saide mar in myn absence than he dar avow in my presens, for-nocht displece yhour honour-learys (liars)
sulde be lytill alowit wyth ony sic worschipfull kynge as yhe are... Hee, almychty prynce, the Haly Gast
yow haff in his yhemsall (in himself) evermar- Wrytyn at Eddynburghe, under my selle, the XXVI day of
Julii.
James of Douglas, Wardane of the Marche.

To ane excellent and a mychty
prynce, Kynge of Inglande."
James was at the General Council at Edinburgh in April 1441.(5)
He had grown so obese that he probably lived very much a retired life: "To the takin (token) thai said he
had in him four stane of talch (tallow) and mair."(6)
130
DOUGLAS
Issue-
 I. William- m. Lady Margaret Douglas, "The Fair Maid of Galloway", murdered by King James 13 Feb.
1452
 II. James- 9th and last Earl of Douglas, d. 15 Apr. 1488
 III. Archibald- Earl of Moray
 IV. Hugh- Earl of Ormond
 V. John- Lord of Balveny
 VI. Henry- Bishop of Dunkeld
 VII. Margaret- m. Henry Douglas of Borgue, Galloway
 VIII. Beatrix- m. Sir William Hay, Constable of Scotland and Earl of Errol
 10IX. JANET- m. ROBERT FLEMING
 X. Elizabeth- m. Sir John Wallace of Craigie Ref:
(1) Fraser- I, 434- quoting a charter at Cavers

(2) Ibid- 437-8
(3) Ibid- 440- quoting original protest at Crookston
(4) Exchequer Rolls- III, 567; IV, 113, 115, 193, 216, 244, 270, 296, 301, 365
(5) Acta Parl. Scot.- II, 56
(6) Auchinleck Chronicle

131
DOUGLAS
9IV. WILLIAM (WILLIAM 1, ARCHIBALD 2, WILLIAM 3, WILLIAM 4, JAMES 5,
ARCHIBALD 6)
m. 1387 EGIDIA STEWART, daughter of Robert II

murdered 1392, Danzig (Gdansk)
Sir William "the Black Douglas", Lord of Nithsdale was the illegitimate son of Archibald "the Grim". He
was a famous warrior and his name was a terror to the English.
He was at the attack of Carlisle in 1385 and greatly distinguished himself in battle.
"A yhowny joly bachelere

Prysyd gretly wes off were,
for he wes enyr traveland
Qwhille be se and qwhille be land
To skathe his fays rycht besy
Swa that thai dred him grettumly."(1)
By his marriage to Egidia, William obtained the lands of Nithsdale. On 8 Nov. 1388 Archibald gave
William the lands of Herbertshire in Stirling. He also received £300 from the Royal Exchequer.
The Irish had been attacking the coast of Galloway and William landed at Carlingford with 500 men. The
mayor offered to buy a treaty and sent to Dundalk for help. The Scots were surprised by 800 men at night,
but they drove them off, captured and burned the town and captured the castle and 15 ships in the harbor.
William then returned to Scotland and was involved in the battle of Otterburn.
In 1389 with some Scottish knights he went to Germany and under Waldenrodt, Grand Master of the Order
of Teutonic Knights he defended Gdansk against the pagans of Prussia under Udislaus Ingello. William and
his men attacked the Prussians and defeated them for which he was made Prince of Danesvick (Gdansk),
Duke of Spruce and Admiral of the fleet. From then on all Scots were declared freemen of Gdansk and in
memory of the event the arms of the country and the arms of Douglas were placed over the city gate where
they remained until it was rebuilt in 1711. A part of the suburbs is called Little Scotland and near it Sir
William was murdered on a bridge by the English Lord Clifford and his assassins in 1392.(2)
Issue-
 I. William- disappeared about 1408 (3)

 11II. EGIDIA- m. HENRY SINCLAIR
Ref:
(1) Wyntoun- IX, c.7

(2) Pluscarden- II, 248; Exchequer Rolls- III, 332
(3) Fraser- I, 358; Morton- II, 204

6III. ARCHIBALD (WILLIAM 1, ARCHIBALD 2, WILLIAM 3, WILLIAM 4)
m. BEATRICE LINDSAY of Crawford

d. 22 July 1333 Halidon Hill
132
DOUGLAS
Archibald received a charter in 1320 from King Robert to Morebattle in Roxburghshire and Kirkandrews in
Dunfriesshire. In 1324 he received a grant to Crimond and others in Buchan being already in possession of
Cavers in Roxburghshire, Drumlanrig and Terregles in Dumfriesshire and West Calder in Midlothian.
After King Robert's death Edward Baliol attempted to take the throne with the aid of Edward III. The
English defeated the Scots at Dupplin 12 Aug. 1332 and moved to Perth where Archibald and the Earl of
March had a large force and were stopped there, but March had to quell a rebellion in Galloway which had
always been sympathetic to the Baliol cause. Baliol was crowned King at Scone on 27 Sept. 1332 and then
he began to progress through the west and south. Archibald should have captured Baliol near Jedburgh but
the ambush he had set was detected and Baliol proceeded to Kelso and then to Annandale with Archibald
and the Earl of Moray after him and was attacked 16 Dec. and narrowly escaped. Baliol attacked Scotland
again on 9 March and Archibald "the Tineman" (the loser) raided Gilsland in retaliation. The Regent Sir
Andrew Moray was captured by the English and Archibald was chosen to succeed him. The Tineman's next
disaster was his attempted relief of Sir Alexander de Seton who had been beseiged at Berwick by Baliol
and Edward III. Archibald left supplies and reinforcements and then went off raiding across the border. He
was again summoned to relieve the garrison and the Regent crossed the Tweed and camped near Duns park
while Edward took position on Halidon Hill. Archibald ignored the advice which Robert the Bruce had
always given to never risk a pitched battle or to face the fire of English archers where it was possible to fall
back and make a desert of the country before the invading army. As surely as his brother had never failed
the Tineman was never to succeed and he decided to attack the English. The enemy filled the sky with
arrows as the Scots attempted to cross the marsh and then climb the hill and were completely defeated due
to their leader's blunder. The Earls of Lennox, Ross, Sutherland, Carrick, Menteith and Athol, the three
Fraser brothers, William, Lord of Douglas, the Tineman himself and countless knights were killed, but the
greatest loss was the most coveted town and seaport in Scotland, Berwick, which has remained an English
borough ever since except for 21 years during the reign of Henry VI.
Issue-
 I. John- d. before 1342, France

 12II. WILLIAM- m. Lady Margaret Mar (m.2. 1388 Sir John de Swinton), mistress Lady
MARGARET STEWART (m. Thomas, 13th Earl of Mar, (d. 1377), d. before 23 March 1418), d. 1384
 III. Eleanor- m.1. Alexander, Earl of Carrick, 2. Sir James de Sandilands (d. before 1358), 3. Sir
William Tours of Dalry, 4. before 1368 Sir Duncan Wallace of Sundrum, 5. 1376 Sir Patrick Hepburn of
Hailes
Ref:

12II. WILLIAM (WILLIAM 1, ARCHIBALD 2, WILLIAM 3, WILLIAM 4, ARCHIBALD 5)
m. Lady Margaret Mar (m.2. 1388 Sir John de Swinton)

mistress- Lady MARGARET STEWART (m. Thomas, 13th Earl of Mar (d. 1377), d. before 23 March
1418)
d. 1384
133
DOUGLAS
At the time of his father's death William was a minor and a ward of the Knight of Liddesdale and was being
educated in France.(1)
William returned to Scotland about 1348 and summoned his retainers and took up quarters in the forests of
Ettick and Jedburgh where he carried on a guerrilla war with the English. He was one of the people to talk
with the English Commissionners concerning the release of King David in 1351.
Edward Baliol was living on the lands of Buittle which rightfully belonged to William who in the summer
of 1353 attacked and made the chiefs of Galloway submit to King David.
In July 1352 the Knight of Liddesdale was released from the Tower of London after agreeing to most
treasonable conditions and upon returning to Scotland he was called to account for these crimes. In Feb.
1342 Robert the Steward demanded sasine for the lands of Liddesdle because of a crown grant made to him
upon being knighted. This was opposed by the Knight of Liddesdale as he claimed the lands in virtue of his
guardianship of William, son and heir of Sir Archibald Douglas in support of which he showed a charter of
infiftment in favour of Sir Archibald.(2) The objection was overruled on the grounds that Archibald was
guardian of the realm at the time of the grant and could not bestow lands on himself and the grant was
made to the Stewawrd who two days later granted Liddesdale to Sir William Douglas who compensated the
Steward by giving him the lands of Athol. The young lord of Douglas returning home was unhappy to find
part of what he considered his rightful heritage in the possession of his godfather and overrun with English
partisans. Young William was also angry over the foul murders by his godfather of Sir Alexander de
Ramsay and Sir David de Barclay.(3)
In Aug. 1353 young William found the Knight of Liddesdale hunting in Ettrick forest where William
claimed exclusive rights. During the ensuing argument the Knight of Liddesdale was killed. The place
where this occurred is now called William's Hope in commmemoration.
In Feb. 1354 King David gave William a charter of all the lands possessed by his uncle the Good Sir James
and his father Sir Archibald including Liddesdale.(4)
Hostilities then broke out again with the English and William attacked Norham castle. William sent out
some foragers under Sir William de Ramsay and drew out the English squadron towards Nisbet where
Douglas was hiding his army and the English were surprised and defeated.
134
DOUGLAS
Norham Castle
William arranged a truce witih the English at Roxburgh and in June 1356 he obtained a safe-conduct from
King Edward to allow hm to visit King David.
William then fought at the battle of Poictiers under the King of France against the Black Prince 19 Sept.
1356: "he fought very valiantly for a while but when he perceived that the French were hopelessly defeated
he made off as fast as he could, for so much did he dread being taken by the English that he had preferred
to be slain."(5)
135
DOUGLAS
Before the battle he received knighthood by King John of France. William returned to Scotland and seized
Hermitage castle from the English.
At about this time William married Margaret Mar and received the barony of Drumlanrig. Sir William was
made the Earl of Douglas by David II on 26 Jan. 1358. William was taken prisoner with David II at the
battle of Durham, but was ransomed soon after.
King David after being released by the English had the bad habit of embezzeling the money appropriated
for his ransom to have for his own private use. William entered a bond with the Steward and the Earl of
March to right these affairs and seized the King's castle of Dirleton. They then presented a petition to the
King complaining of the misused funds.(6) From Dirleton he looted Inverkeithing and in retaliation the
King surprised William at Lanark and the Earl barely escaped. On 14 May 1363 the barons submitted to the
King.(7)
Dirleton Castle
136
DOUGLAS
On 6 Oct. 1363 King David signed a treaty at Westminster with King Edward. The 17th article provided
that: "the Earl of Douglas should be restored to the estates in England to which his father and uncle had
right or to receive an equivalent in a suitable place." But the treaty was rejected by Parliament. On 6 Dec.
1363 King Edward made gifts: "to divers lords and others who came to England in the retinue of the King
of Scotland about a treaty of peace between the Kings." The first on the list of these lords is the Earl of
Douglas who received a gilt cup and 100/9. Two days later the goldsmith was paid £6/17/3 for the two cups
given to the Earl of Douglas and Sir Robert Erskine.(8) Another treaty was drafted and submitted to
Parliament in Jan. 1365 and not long after William affixed his seal in consent and swore to use his whole
power against any persons who should resist it.
In 1370 William executed a renunciation of the barony of Dalkeith.(9) It is not clear what rights he
possessed in these lands seeing that they had belonged to the Knight of Liddesdale and passed to his
daughter Mary and then to his nephew James. William, nevertheless resided at Dalkeith sometime between
1361 and 1366 because the historian Froissart was his guest there for 15 days.(10)
Dalkeith Castle
David II died in 1371 and was succeeded by Robert the Steward who was a friend of William. However
Wyntoun says that he opposed the accession of Robert by force and assembled his followers at Linlithgow
but was attacked by the Earl of March and persuaded him to give up his opposition to the Steward and his
pretensions to the throne provided that his son James should marry one of the King's daughters:
"And the King to this mariage

Gave silver and land in heritage.
Thus efftere a royd harsh begynnyng
Happynyt a sofft and gud endyng."(11)
William was restored to favor and was appointed Justiciar of Scotland south of the Forth and was at the
Parliament at Scone in Apr. 1373.(12) In 1374 William received the lands of his brother-in-law Thomas,
Earl of Mar who died without any children.
137
DOUGLAS
The truce with England was to expire in 1383 but the Earl of March attempted to claim his lands of
Annandale which were held by the English. The Earl of Northumberland appealed to William as Warden of
the Marches but he was unwilling to interfere and Northumberland ravaged Tweeddale. William was at
Hondebray (Humbie) where he heard that Sir Thomas Musgrave was holding Melrose. He gave
Northumberland the slip and arrived at Melrose at midnight:
"They were full seven hundred lances, and two thousand others whom I call lusty varlets, armed with
hunting spears, dirks and pointed staves."(13)
Musgrave rode forth the next day to give battle. William knighted his son and Musgrave did the same. The
English were defeated and Musgrave was captured.
On 25 Nov. 1378 fifty Scots captured Berwick and held out for eight days against the Earl of Northumber-
land. William and his cousin Archibald found the English too strong and fled to the Lothians. The English
stormed Berwick and killed all the Scots.
In the spring of 1380 he entered England with an army and after burning Penrith he returned home laden
with spoil. The war with England continued and Douglas recovered Annandale and drove the English from
Teviotdale. After returning from Teviotdale in May 1384 he contracted a fever and died at Douglas castle
and was buried at Melrose.
138
DOUGLAS
In 1379 Robert II granted confirmation of an agreement whereby Margaret's sister Elizabeth surrendered all
her claim to the Comitatus and Margaret thereafter assumed the style of Countess of Angus and Mar.(14)
Margret lived at Tantallon Castle as shown by charters granted by her at that place.(15) Her relations with
her late husband's sister's husband were fully recognised. In 1388 Robert, Earl of Fife visited the castle and
found her still living there and gave her permission to remain as long as she chose and that:
"In the men tyme, we haf heft trewly we sal manteyn hir, hir men, hir landys and al hir possessons aganys
ony that wald wrang thaim, in als tendir maner as wr awyn propir."(16)
There is no record that the church condemned the private life of the Countess of Angus, but when she
infringed upon the temporal rights of the ecclesiastics she was threatened with excommunication. A dispute
arose between her and the monks of Durham about possession of land in Berwickshire. The countess held
these lands by force, but yielded to the threat of excommunication and the Prior of Durham directed the
Prior of Coldingham to grant her absolution upon her giving up the land which she did 4 Jan. 1416.(17)
Issue- first two children by first wife, last two by Margaret
 I. James- b.c.1358, m. Princess Isabel Bruce, d. Aug. 1388

 II. Isabel- m.1. Sir Malcolm Drummond, 2. Alexander Stewart (d. 1435), d. 1408
 13III. GEORGE- b.c.1378, m. 1397 MARY STEWART (2. Sir James Kennedy, 3. William, Lord of
Graham, 4. Sir William Edmonstone of Culloden), d. 1402
 IV. Margaret- m. 1404 Thomas Johnson
Ref:
(1) Morton- II, 46

(2) Ibid- 46-7
(3) Fordun- II, 360
(4) Fraser- I, 226
(5) Froissart- CLXI
(6) Exchequer Rolls- II, pp. 57,136,167,174
(7) Bower- XIV, 27
(8) Bain- IV, 22
(9) Morton- II, 72
(10) Froissart- III, c.126
139
DOUGLAS
(11) Wyntoun- IX, 1
(12) Exchequer Rolls- II, 394,462
(13) Froissart- II, c.9
(14) Antiquities of Aberdeenshire, etc.- IV, 160; Fraser- III, 400
(16) Ibid- 32,35
(17) Priory of Coldingham (Surtees Society)- p.88; Antiquities of Aberdeenshire, etc.- IV, 733

13III. GEORGE (WILLIAM 1, ARCHIBALD 2, WILLIAM 3, WILLIAM 4, ARCHIBALD 5,

WILLIAM 6)
b.c.1378
m. 1397 MARY STEWART, daughter of Robert III, (m.2. Sir James Kennedy, 3. William, Lord of
Graham, 4. Sir William Edmonstone of Culloden)
d. 1402
Sir George obtained a grant of the Earldom of Angus 9 Apr. 1389 upon his mother's resignation of it in
Parliament but he did not assume the title until after his betrothal in 1397 to Mary, daughter of Robert III, a
marriage doubtless brought about by the adroit management of his mother. The countess arranged with the
King the terms of the marriage contract on 24 May 1397 and confirmed to "Jorge of Douglas" the earldom
of Angus and the lordship of Abernethy and Boncle, the justiciary fees of Forfar, to ratify all gifts, entails
and leases made by Isabel, Countess of Mar (widow of his brother James), "to the sayde Jorege his brothir"
and all that were made by Sir James of Sandilands, Lord of Calder (his uncle) and finally to maintain the
countess in all her possessions within the "kynryc".(1)
George's paternity is fully set forth in a charter to him by his uncle James of Sandilands, Lord of Cawdor
conveying the lands of Cavers, Roxburgh castle, the sheriffship of Roxburgh, the town, castle and forest of
Jedburgh, the lands of Bonjedworth, the town of Selkirk, the regality of Buittle in Galloway, Dumlanrig
and the lordship of Liddesdale, Tillicoultry in Clackmannan as well as extensive lands in Banffshire. What
means of persuasion the countess employed to get Sandilands to part with his inheritance is unknown. She
also obtained for him possession of the castle of Calder for 5 years in exchange for land of the value of 200
marks. All this was done and the masterful countess set her seal "in defaute that the saide George had na
seil propir of his awyn." (2)
140
DOUGLAS
Roxburgh Castle
George was taken prisoner with his cousin the Earl of Douglas at the battle of Homildon in 1402 and died
the same year in England of the plague.(3)
Issue-
 14I. WILLIAM- b.c.1398, m. 1425 MARGARET HAY of Yester (d. after 1484), d. Oct. 1437
 15II. ELIZABETH/MARY- m.1. ALEXANDER FORBES, 2. Sir David Hay of Yester
Ref:
(1) Fraser- III, 38

(2) Ibid- 35,37
(3) Bower- XV, 14
"History of the House of Douglas"- Vol.II, pp.5-7

14I. WILLIAM (WILLIAM 1, ARCHIBALD 2, WILLIAM 3, WILLIAM 4, ARCHIBALD 5,

WILLIAM 6, GEORGE 7)
b.c.1398
m. 1425 MARGARET HAY of Yester (d. after 1484)
d. Oct. 1437
141
DOUGLAS
His grandmother the Countess of Angus betrothed William to Margaret Hay in 1409 and added the lands of
Easter Cluny in Perthshire to his possessions.
In 1421 William was nominated one of the 21 hostages for the payment of James I's ransom, the annual
value of his estate estimated at 600 marks.(1) However William's name does not appear among those
finally appointed to be hostages. William was one of the nobles that met the king at Durham after his
release and escorted him back to Scotland where William was knighted by the king at the coronation at
Scone in May 1424.(2)
William was one of 21 jurors during the trial of the Duke of Albany, his two sons and the Earl of Lennox
on 24 May 1425. The Duchess of Albany was imprisoned in William's castle of Tantallon.(3)
William went with the king in July 1429 to avenge the burning of Inverness by Alastair, Lord of the Isles
and after being captured he was imprisoned in Tantallon castle. In 1430 William was one of the
commissioners to negotiate an extension of the truce with England. It was prolonged for 5 years and
William was appointed one of the 12 conservators to enforce its observance. On 10 Nov. 1430 William was
made Warden of the Middle Marches.(4)
In 1434 William was ordered by the king to take charge of Durham castle which belonged to George, Earl
of March. After the truce expired the Earl of Northumberland's son Henry crossed the border with 4,000
142
DOUGLAS
men in Sept. 1435. William along with Adam Hepburn of Hailes and Alexander Ramsay of Dalwolsey
attacked them at Piperdean on 10 Sept. and defeated them.(5)
Durham Castle
James I was assassinated on 20 Feb. 1437 and William took part in the pursuit and capture of Walter, Earl
of Athol and his conspirators.
Issue-
 I. James- b.c.1426, d.s.p.1446

 16II. GEORGE- m. ISABELLA SIBBALD of Balgony, Fife (m.2. Robert Douglas of Lochleven), d.
14 Nov. 1462/3, bur. at Abernethy
 III. William- d.s.p. before 1475
 18IV. ELEANOR- m. WILLIAM GRAHAM
Ref:
(1) Foedera- X, 307

(2) Ibid- 309,344; Bain- IV, 170; Pluscarden- II, 299
(3) Bower- XVI, 10; Reg. Mag. Sig.- II, #127
(4) Fraser- III, 65
(5) Bower- XVI, 24
16II. GEORGE (WILLIAM 1, ARCHIBALD 2, WILLIAM 3, WILLIAM ,4 ARCHIBALD 5,

WILLIAM 6, GEORGE 7, WILLIAM 8)
m. ISABELLA SIBBALD of Balgony, Fife (m.2. Robert Douglas of Lochleven)

d. 14 Nov. 1462/3
bur. Abernethy
143
DOUGLAS
The 4th Earl of Angus "the Red Douglas" has often been declared to have been the second son of George
the 1st Earl, but that he was the son of the second earl is proved by a reference to his father in a document
of 26 June 1450 as "Willielmus Douglas comes de Angus, pater comitis moderni" that is William Douglas,
Earl of Angus, father of the present earl.(1)
In 1448 after Percy and Ogle burned Dunbar castle and Salisbury had burned Dumfries, George joined his
kinsmen the Earls of Douglas and Ormond in a raid into Northumberland. In June they burned Alnwick and
in July they burned Warkworth to the ground.(2)
Sir George in 1449 was appointed Warden of the Middle Marches and in 1451 he was sent as ambassador
to England. He had the chief command of the King's forces against his kinsman the Earl of Douglas in
1454. George was probably with the king during the siege of Abercorn in 1455. The Earl of Douglas
advanced, but with the defection of Lord Hamilton he lost the battle and fled to England. George then
proceeded to the Borders and met the Douglas rebels at Arkinholm (Langholm) 18 May 1455 and routed
them. To the great Act of Forfeiture which followed, George affixed his seal in token of consent.(3) After
the forfeiture of the Earl of Douglas' estate Sir George was granted all his land and the Lordship of Douglas
16 Apr. 1457.(4)
George was wounded by a splinter of the cannon which killed James II at the siege of Roxburgh on 3 Aug.
1460, but not so seriously as to prevent him from capturing the castle on the next Friday or from being at
the coronation of James III at Kelso on 10 Aug. 1460. In his manuscript at Hamilton Palace Godscroft
states that at the coronation some fuss arose concerning points of precedence and George supposedly ended
the dispute by pushing aside all the great men of Scotland and claimed the privilege of bearing the crown.
Then placing it upon James' head he said: "There! Now that I have set it upon your Graces head, let me see
who will be so bold as to move it."
144
DOUGLAS
Roxburgh Castle
Parliament decreed that the Douglases should no longer be hereditary Wardens of the Marches, but George
continued to be the Warden of the East and Middle Marches and was appointed Lieutenant of the Realm by
the Queen Mother and the Council.(5)
In 1462 George received from the Crown a gift of all the lands, rents, and goods of the forfeited Earl of
Douglas in Roxburghshire except those which had already been given to William of Cluny.(6)
On 22 Nov. 1462 George signed a treaty with Henry VI obliging him to aid the king in the expulsion of
Henry's Yorkist enemies. Henry was "to make the saide erle sufficiantly and suerly after the lawes of
England a duke withynne the said reaume of England, with stile, astate, honure, and name of a duke"
together with a castle and land to the value of 2000 marks as well as a special provision for not interfering
with George or his heirs should war break out between Scotland and England without any prejudice to their
English property and title. The document was to be submitted to "our holy Fader the Pope, and by hym
approved, ratefied, and confermed perpetuelly to endure."(7) This agreement was also sanctioned by King
James, but this license has since disappeared from the Douglas charter chest.(8)
In 1462 King Edward IV advanced with a large army against Alnwick when Sir George and Pierre de
Breze, High Steward of Normandy marched into town and relieved the French garrison there.
Issue-
 17I. ARCHIBALD- b.c.1449, m.1. ELIZABETH BOYD, 2.1500 Catherine Sterling of Keir (divorced
1512, m.2. Lord Home), d. 1514 Priory of Whithorn, Galloway
 II. John- probably d.s.p.
 III. Isabella- m. Sir Alexander Ramsay of Dalwolsey (killed at Flodden)
 IV. Elizabeth- m. Sir Robert Graham of Fintry
 19V. MARGARET- m. Sir DUNCAN CAMPBELL of Glenurchy
 VI. Janet- m.1. David Scott of Buccleuch
 VII. Egidia-
 VIII. Alison-
Ref:
145
DOUGLAS
(1) Priory of Coldingham- Surtees Society, p.165
(2) Auchinleck- 27, 40
(3) Acts of Parl. Scot.- II, 42, 75-7
(4) Fraser- III, 86
(5) Acts of Parl. Scot.- II, 43; Pitscottie- I, 153
(6) Fraser- III, 91
(7) Ibid- III, 92
(8) MS at Hamilton Palace- Quoted by Fraser- II, 60, note

17I. ARCHIBALD (WILLIAM 1, ARCHIBALD 2, WILLIAM 3, WILLIAM 4, ARCHIBALD 5,

WILLIAM 6, GEORGE 7, WILLIAM 8, GEORGE 9)
b.c.1449
m.1. ELIZABETH BOYD
2. 1500 Catherine, daughter of Sir William Stirling of Keir (divorced 1512, m.2. Lord Home, Great
Chamberlain of Scotland)
d. 1514 Priory of Whithorn, Galloway
bur. monastery of St. Ninian at Whithorn, his heart bur. at St. Bride's church, Douglas
Sir Archibald succeeded his father when he was only 14 years old. In 1461 a contract was made between
Archibald's father George and the Earl of Huntly to arrange a marriage between Huntly's daughter
Katherine Gordon and Archibald.(1) However the union never took place because a more desirable match
appeared in Elizabeth, daughter of the powerful Lord Boyd. However Lord Boyd fell from favor and young
Archibald was at the November Parliament in Edinburgh where his father in law was condemned and
estates forfeited to the Crown. In Apr. 1481 the Estates appointed Archibald Warden of the Marches.
In July 1482 when James III was preparing to invade England a group of Scottish nobles met secretly in the
kirk of Lauder to plot the downfall of the favorites of the King. In the conference Lord Gray talked of how
the mice took care of their tyrannical enemy the cat by placing a bell around the cat's neck, but which
mouse had the courage to put the bell on the cat? Sir Archibald replied: "I shall bell the cat" and
accordingly Cochrane the most obnoxious of the favorites was captured by Archibald when he entered the
church and he and the others were hanged over the bridge at Lauder. From that time on Sir Archibald
became the leader of the rebellious barons and they took the King to Edinburgh and to regain his freedom
James had to come to terms with Albany. On 12 Jan. 1483 Albany appointed the Earl of Angus, Andrew
146
DOUGLAS
Lord Grey and Sir James Liddell his commissioners to negociate with Edward IV. On 11 Feb. the treaty
was signed at Westminster and this brought out all of King James' friends and on 19 March Albany
surrendered to his brother. Archibald was deprived of his offices of Justiciar south of the Forth, Steward of
Kirkcudbright, Keeper of the Thrieve and Sheriff of Lanark.
On 3 June 1483 King James appointed: "oure welebelovit cousing and consalour Archibald erle of Anguse"
keeper of the royal castle of Newark in Ettrick Forest for five years along with the lands of Hartwood and
Berybuss.(2) In 1486 Archibald was Warden of the Marches and conservator of the peace with Henry VII.
(3)
In order to finance his royal chapel at Stirling King James took the revenues of Coldingham Priory to
which the Homes had a hereditary claim. The Hepburns supported them and both families were the
recipients of vigorous outbursts from the crown and were summoned to appear before the Council.
Archibald and six others were appointed to carry out the decree. The king's son however supported Homes
and King James received Archibald at Edinburgh castle to elicit his support. The Earl of Angus initially
supported him, but he then joined the rebels. A bargain was struck between the two parties with Archibald
being a representative for the rebels and the King was to maintain his authority but his counsellors were to
be men of worth without the fiddlers and bricklayers as before. However on 11 June 1488, the battle of
Sauchie followed with the King fighting against his son and Archibald. The King was then murdered while
escaping the field.
The Battle of Sauchieburn- engraving c.1877
Archibald was guardian of James IV for a short time and was paid 100 Rose nobles for a hawk.(4) He was
held in high esteem by James IV and continued to be Warden of the Eastern Marches.
147
DOUGLAS
However Archibald was not content with his position in the government and he entered into a pact with
Henry VII along with Ramsay, Lord Bothwell. Archibald and his son George signed an agreement to
deliver the castle of Hermitage and the Lordship of Liddesdale into English hands, to give no service to the
Scottish King without permission of the King of England and to: "labor and requyre othir of his frendes in
Scotland to be bounden to hym (King Henry) in like wise." Archibald was to receive land in England and
no truce was to be signed with the Scots unless it was acceptable to Archibald and failing such a truce the
King of England was: "to mak sharpe warre upon the Scottis, and speciallie suche as be enemyes and
adversaries to the said erle."(5) This agreement was signed 16 Nov. 1489 at Berwick while Archibald was
on a pilgrimage to the shrine of St. John at Amiens. However King Henry never signed the agreement and
Archibald returned to Scotland in Apr. 1490. He was playing dice with King James at Linlithgow on 18
Apr., 29 June and on 26-8 Nov. The secret negociations must have become known before July 1491 when
Archibald received an order to stay at Tantalolon castle. This he did but proceeded to defend himself in
October against the King's men.(6) James and Archibald were soon reconciled for the King sent him a
Christmas present of a black velvet gown lined with lamb's wool and: "with bukram to the tail of it".(7)
However James forced him to exchange the strategicly important lands of Hermitage and Liddesdale for the
Lordship of Kilmarnock on 2 Dec. 1491.(8) In July of the next year he received a grant of the barony and
castle of Bothwell.(9) He was sworn a Privy Councillor in 1492 and in 1493 he was appointed Lord High
Chancellor of Scotland until he resigned in 1498.(10)
In 1496 Archibald received a grant of the lands and Lordship of Crawford in Lanarkshire and received the
lands of Braidwood in 1497.(11) Also in 1497 he was appointed Warden of the Middle Marches and
Justiciar of Eskdale and Ewesdale.
In 1498 Archibald made a marriage contract with Janet, daughter of John, Lord Kennedy, but Janet became
the mistress of James IV. In 1500 Archibald married Katherine Stirling to whom he made a grant of the
Earldom of Angus and Lordship of Kirriemuir.(12)
Archibald was under arrest in Dunbarton castle for a few months from Dec. 1501 and was not released until
he complied with the King's demand for the resignation of Eskdale which James was determined to reduce
to law and order.(13)
Dunbarton Castle
In 1510 the barony of Crawford-Lindsay was forfeited because Archibald had given it to Janet Kennedy
without the King's consent, but in the next Jan. it was given to the Master of Angus.(14) Archibald divided
148
DOUGLAS
his estates among his sons giving William the Lordship of Bothwell in 1504 and Braidwood in 1510 and
giving George Abernethy in 1511 thus leaving himself landless for George already had possession of
Douglas and Angus.(15)
In March 1513 John Forman, a priest of Glasgow supported by Archibald and the Earl of Glencairn tried to
force his installation as Abbot of Kilwinning by appearing in force before the monastery and compelling
the Abbot to surrender his office to Forman who bore Papal letters as his authority.(16)
Kilwinning Abbey
Archibald accompanied the King to Flodden and tried to disuade him from fighting. James answered:
"Angus if you are afraid you may go home." The Earl left the field, but his two sons George and William
and all their followers fought in the battle. Both sons and 200 of the Douglas clan were killed. However
there is scarcely any evidence that Archibald marched with the Army to Flodden as at his age he could
honourably stay at home.
Archibald was at the coronation of James V on 21 Sept. 1513 at Stirling and was appointed one of the
advisers of the Queen Mother as Regent. He then became Provost of Edinburgh and was at the General
Council at Perth 21-9 Oct. 1513 where he was charged with suppressing all disorders between the Forth
and Whithorn. Sir Archibald retired to the priory of Whithorn in Galloway where he died the next year.
149
DOUGLAS
Whithorn Priory
Issue-
 20I. GEORGE- b.c.1469, m. before 31 Jan. 1488 ELIZABETH DRUMMOND (m.1. Sir David
Fleming), d. 9 Sept. 1513
 II. William- killed at Flodden
 III. Gavin- Bishop of Dunkeld and a poet
 IV. Archibald- "Greysteil" of Kilspindie
 V. Marion- m. 1492 Cuthbert, Lord Kilmaurs, Earl of Glencairn
 VI. Elizabeth- m. 1493 Robert, Lord Lyle
 VII. Janet- m. 1495 Andrew, Lord Herries
Ref:
(1) Fraser- III, 89

(2) Ibid- 114-5
(3) Acts of Parl. Scot.- II, 153, 167, 169, 175
(4) Treasurer's Accounts- I, 102
(5) Bain- IV, 416
(6) Treasurer's Accounts- I, pp. 107, 180
(7) Ibid- I, 188
(9) Ibid- I, 134
(10) Acts of Parl. Scot.- II, 231-7
(12) Reg. Mag. Sig.- II, No. 2539
(13) Fraser- III, 176-9
(14) Ibid- 200
(15) Ibid- 202
(16) Diocesan Registers of Glasgow- Grampian Club, II, 477- 80, quoted by Fraser- II, 102

20I. GEORGE (WILLIAM 1, ARCHIBALD 2, WILLIAM 3, WILLIAM 4, ARCHIBALD 5,

WILLIAM 6, GEORGE 7, WILLIAM 8, GEORGE 9, ARCHIBALD 10)
150
DOUGLAS
b.c.1469
m. before 31 Jan. 1488 ELIZABETH DRUMMOND (m.1. Sir David Fleming)
d. 9 Sept. 1513
In 1485 George's father contracted a marriage with Margaret, oldest daughter of Laurence, Lord Oliphant.
This contract was never carried out as in 1488 he married Elizabeth Drummond. This marriage was
discovered to be within the prohibited degrees of consanguinity through George's kinship to David
Fleming. This was set right by a Papal dispensation 3 Dec. 1495.(1)
On 31 Jan. and 1 Feb. 1489 George received a grant of his father's lands of Tantallon, Douglasdale,
Liddesdale, Ewesdale, Eskdale, Selkirk, Jedburgh Forest, Boncle and Preston.(2)
George was at the last Parliament of James III in Jan. 1488 and the Parliament of James IV in Feb. 1490.(3)
In 1499 George was appointed Warden of Eskdale by the King and on 16 Jan. he met his English
counterpart Lord Dacre: "for the gude of peax and reformyng of attemptatis done on either side."(4)
George, however was not able to restore order in his wardenry and for failing to deliver Sym Scott of
Arkyn to justice George was compelled to surrender the lands of Fawside to the injured party Ralph Ker of
Primsideloch in Oct. 1502.(5) In Nov. George was fined £10 for not arresting the notorious criminal
Davidson alias "Grace-behind him".(6) Finally because of George's undue leniency towards his vassals the
King deprived him of the Lordship and wardenry of Eskdale and of Ewesdale in 1506.(7)
In 1510 George obtained from his father the barony of Crawford-Lindsay and the estate of Kirriemuir and
Abernethy with Horsehopcleugh in Berwickshire.(8)
151
DOUGLAS
Godscroft in his manuscript says that during the battle of Flodden when King James dismounted he saw
George still on horseback and asked if it was his custom to remain mounted while the king fought on foot.
George replied by asking if it was the habit of the king to wear his mail and armorial bearings when
fighting on foot. After bringing up this point of chivalry the King took off his armour and said: "I dare fight
upon my feet as well as you or any subject I have, and that without coat-armour or royal cognisance." Both
George and his king were killed along with 12 Earls, 17 lords and 200 of the Douglas clan.
Memorial at the site of the Battle of Flodden
For a wonderful account of the Battle of Flodden go to the Flodden 1513 Club web site at:
http://www.flodden1513club.com/history_flodden.html
Issue-
 21I. ARCHIBALD- m.1. Lady Margaret Hepburn (d. 1513), 2. 6 Aug. 1514 Margaret of England,
divorced March 1525 (m.2. Sir William Baillie of Lamington, d. 1593), 3. 1543 Margaret Maxwell, d. 1556
Tantallon castle
 II. George- of Pittendreich
 III. William- d. 1528, Prior of Coldingham, Abbot of Holyroodhouse
 IV. Elizabeth- m. before 17 Sept. 1509 Sir John Hay of Hoprew
 V. Alison- m.1. Robert Blackadder (d. Flodden), 2. Sir David Home of Wedderburn (d. 1524)
 VI. Jean- m.1. John, Lord Glammis, 2. Archibald Campbell of Skipnish. Jean was indicted for
poisoning her husband and was summoned to stand trial at the Justice Ayre of Forfar 31 Jan. 1532, but the
charges were dropped because of lack of evidence. She was burnt at the stake on Castlehill in Edinburgh 17
July 1537 on the charge of conspiring to poison the King and for having assisted her brothers Archibald
and George after they had been declared traitors and rebels.
 VII. Margaret- m. 1513 Sir James Douglas of Dumlanrig, divorced before 4 Jan. 1540
Ref:
(1) Fraser- III, 437; original at Drummond castle

(2) Ibid- 121-3; original at Douglas castle
(3) Acts Parl. Scot.- II, 216
(5) Reg. Mag. Sig.- II, No. 2676
152
DOUGLAS
(6) Pitcairn- II, 34
(7) Reg. Mag. Sig.- III, No. 2962

21I. ARCHIBALD (WILLIAM 1, ARCHIBALD 2, WILLIAM 3, WILLIAM 4, ARCHIBALD 5,

WILLIAM 6, GEORGE 7, WILLIAM 8, GEORGE 9, ARCHIBALD 10, GEORGE 11)
m.1. Lady Margaret Hepburn (d. 1513)

2. 6 Aug. 1514 Margaret of England, divorced March 1525 (m.2. Sir William Baillie of Lamington, d.
1593)
3. 1543 Margaret Maxwell
mistress- daughter of STEWART of Traquair
d. 1556 Tantallon Castle
On 29 Nov. 1513 Archibald received the estates of his father and before 31 Jan. 1514 he bacame the Earl of
Angus and received Tantallon and Bothwell.(1)
At his marriage to the Queen Dowager Archibald was described by Dacre the English ambassador in
Scotland as: "childish, young, and attended by no wise councillors."
At was stated that: "his person and countenance were beautiful, his accomplishments showy and attractive
whilst his power as the head of the house of Douglas was equal if not superior to that of any baron in the
kingdom."
153
DOUGLAS
With Huntly, Arran and Archbishop Beaton he was appointed to advise Queen Margaret in her
guardianship of James V. After rejecting the Emperor Maximillian, Louis XII and John, Duke of Albany
she married Archibald.
In Nov. 1514 Queen Margaret appointed Archibald's uncle Gavin Douglas to the Archbishopric of St.
Andrews. The Prior of St. Andrews besieged Gavin in the castle and Archibald went to his aid leaving
Margaret at Stirling castle. Arran and Home then went to Stirling and took the Queen to Edinburgh. At
Albany's insistence Parliament appointed four lords who presented themselves before Stirling castle, but
the Queen mother refused to admit them. On 4 Aug. Albany and his army appeared at Stirling and Margaret
surrendered.
In 1515 due to the Regent, Duke of Albany's efforts to obtain custody of the Royal children and to suppress
a rebellion by the English faction led by Archibald, the Queen Mother and Lord Home, Sir Archibald and
Margaret went to England where they along with Home, Arran and their supporters plotted to overthrow
the Regent and obtain possession of the infant sovereign. Albany wrote letters to Margaret asking for her
return or to send her husband and brother-in-law as her hostages to whom he promised a pardon. Margaret
insisted upon being allowed the custody of her sons because she was the King of England's sister and that
one of her sons was King of Scots and the other heir presumptive. As soon as Albany received her answer
he issued a proclamation against Archibald and Sir George Douglas as traitors and seized the castles of
Tantallon and Bothwell. Arran withdrew from this league and Sir Archibald finding himself neglected by
his brother-in-law, Henry VIII, made peace with the Regent and leaving Margaret very ill at Morpeth he
returned to Scotland in Apr. 1516. In June 1517 after Albany left for France, Archibald was nominated to
the Council of Regency and when the Queen returned to Scotland she tried to have him appointed Regent,
but without success. Enraged at the disappointment Archibald's violence and turbulence knew no bounds
and his treatment of Margaret led her to sue for a divorce. Margaret wrote to her brother Henry VIII
expressing her intention to get a divorce and declaring she would never marry again without his consent.(2)
King Henry opposed his sister's intention to separate from Archibald for which the Earl expressed his
gratitude:
154
DOUGLAS
"Maist excellennt and redoutit prince it lyis not in my little possibilite to rendir thankis unto your maist
nobill hyenes, that has intendit and procurit sa excedand wiselye this my pure (poor) causs, quhilk
elikewiss is Goddis causs, and alsua the honour and weillfare of youre deirest sister, the Quenys grace
forsaid, and, with that, richt weiray (very) acceptable till every wele myndit personage of gude zele within
this realme. Quhairfor, besyde the rewarde of God, quhilk I doute nocht bot youre grace sall resaif for sa
meritable labour, I sall endevour and abandoune perpetually my pure service in every behalf and sort to
me possible, unto youre maist nobill excellence, abufe all uther prince or creature levand (living), myne
allegeance to oure soverane lord, your deirest nevo, alanerlie (only) exceppit; and salbe all tymes reddy
eftir my pure power, allthoucht it war sua that youre hienes commandit me furthwith to pas one fute to
Jerusalem, and fecht with the Turkis to the dede (to death) for youre causs."(3)
In Oct. 1519 Archibald met the queen once more and escorted her into Edinburgh with 400 horsemen.(4)
In 1520 the Earl of Arran with his allies met at Edinburgh and decided to apprehend Sir Archibald and on
29 Apr. a battle known as "Cleanse the Causeway" took place on High St. in Edinburgh between the two
parties. Archibald killed Sir Patrick Hamilton, Arran's brother and Arran's force was compoletely routed
after fierce fighting with about 70 of Arran's men killed. For the next year Scotland existed under a dual
government, Archibald holding sway in the south and east, Arran in the north and west while Albany
stayed in France. Archibald began loosing his supporters and the queen was now completely for Albany.
Albany returned to Scotland on 21 Nov. 1521 and dismissed many officials appointed by Archibald. On 9
Dec. Archibald and his brother William were ordered to appear before Parliament to stand trial for high
treason. Archibald then went to France in March 1522.
In 1524 he secretly went to the English court and then returned to Scotland greatly improved in experience,
talent and political skill having entered into a secret treaty with Henry VIII to support the English interests.
Queen Margaret begged King Henry to: "consyder that thys gret thyng that we have dwn, hath ben dwn
wythout the helpe of the sayd Erl of Angus". The time was ripe for Archibald's return as Albany had left
and the Queen had alienated many powerful people. Henry VIII wanted Archibald to get back with his wife
and on 1 Nov. the Earl of Angus wrote to his estranged wife from his brother's manor at Boncle:
"Madame, In my mooste humble and lowly maner I commende my service to your grace. It woll pleas your
grace to knowe that I have beene with the Kingis grace your brother, the whiche is oone of the moost
Cristened princis, and his grace hath entreated me so mervelous wille that he hath addetted me, and all
that woll do for me, to do his grace service and honour, in so farre as lyeth in my poure, myne allegeaunce
exceptit to the Kingis grace my Soverane.
Madame, I am comme into this realme to do the Kingis grace, my master, and your grace, honour and
service, in so ferre as lyes in my poure, and shall do the same as gladly as any other in all the realme of
Scotland; beseching your grace ye wold exept it, for there is no maner of thing that may be wele to the
Kingis grace my soverain, nor to your graces honour and pleassour, but I shalbe glad to fulfill the same.
Madame if there by any unfrendis that in my absence have made senestre informacion of me unto your
grace, I wold beseche your grace that ye wold stand so good and gracious lady unto me that ye wold be
contente that I may speke with your grace, and if I have offended to your grace any maner of waye, I shall
refourme it at the sight and plessour of your seid grace; beseching your grace that ye woll advertise me of
155
DOUGLAS
your myende in writing, as that I shalbe redy to fulfill the same, as knoweth God, who preserve your grace
eternally.
At Boncle, the first daye of November, by the hand of your humble servant."(5)
Early in the morning of 24 Nov. 1524 he and his forces took possession of the capital and joined by
Chancellor Bethune quickly acquired control of the government and the young King then 14 years old. On
23 Feb. 1524/5 Parliament was held under King James V with Archibald bearing the crown and the acts of
forfeiture against the Douglas were repealed. Margaret sent a message to Albany in France promising to
support his interests and those of France and to oppose England.(6)
Sir Archibald however, failed to make a treaty with his wife and in March 1525 they were divorced. The
case was tried by the Cardinal of Ancona and dragged on for three years and ended on 11 March 1528.
On 15 March 1524/5 Archibald was appointed Warden of the East and Middle Marches which pleased
Henry VIII so much that he directed Dr. Magnus to give the Earl £100.
Archibald saw trouble from the Hamiltons and therefore entered into an alliance with the Earls of Lennox
and Argyll for the defence of King James.(7) In the July Parliament it was decreed that Archibald should
have custody of the King until 1 Nov., but he realized that if he let the King out of his keeping it was
certain that he would loose his influence so he refused to let him go. The Queen assembled her followers at
Linlithgow, but upon his arrival with the King her followers dispersed or gave their submission to the King.
On 15 Jan. 1525/6 Archibald ratified a treaty with England at Berwick as the representative of Scotland.(8)
In 1526 he obtained a remission for himself and his friends for all crimes and treasons committed by them
for the past 19 years. He talked Bethune into resigning the Great Seal and was appointed Lord Chancellor.
By this time all the offices of Scotland were filled by either a Douglas or one of their allies and Sir
Archibald defeated two attempts to rescue the King, one by Scott of Buccleuch near Melrose and the other
attempt by the Earl of Lennox at Linlithgow in which Lennox was killed. Archibald then went to work to
put down the chronic brigandage along the Border. He also continued to support the English alliance and
wrote the following letter as Chancellor of Scotland to Wolsey on 29 Dec. 1527:
"My lord, plesit your grace be rememberit how my forebearis in all tymes bipast has bene about to foster
and futhebeir gud luff, peax and rest betwix this twa realmes and athir of the princes therof, as is notourly
knawin to all and sindry in thir partis succeding efter thame; and giff I wald presume to be so bald or
foilhardy, nocht followand the futsteppis of wysmenn past of before, to attempt to do ocht in contrair ther
wysdomys, I micht wele be reput and haldin rycht unwyss, and, mare attour, baith unthankfull and unkynd,
considering the nerines of blud the twa princes standis in at this tyme, the greit knydnes and humanite,
speciall favoris and diverss gratitudes done to me be the Kingis hienes of England and your grace, sa that
my haill mynd and intencioune has evir bene, sen I grew to ony perfectioune, and mekill mair sen I was
constitut in office and auctorite, and ane hevy cure laid one me, to study alwayis possibil for the
interteyning and uphalding of gud peax, amite and concord betwix thir twa realmes, punising of
156
DOUGLAS
trespassouris, and puttin of justice to dew execucioune, and to do that thing mycht be acceptabill or
plesand to the Kingis hienes, your soverane, and your grace, above all erdly prince, his derrest nephew my
soverane allanerly exceptit. Bot as for the favouris of France or ony therin, salffand the plessour of the
Kingis hienes your soverane and of your grace, I set it at litill, or ellis rycht nocht, bot in gudlynes (I
reckon it of little or no use in value) for I fand na favouris thare bot collusioune and dissait, as is wele
kend.
And now the noyis is the Duk of Albanie procuris saulff-conduct and licence of the kingis hienes your
soverane to return here, allegeand he has my soverane's consent therto; the contrary tharof is verray
threw, as his hienes has declarit before Leonard Musgraiff, gentilmann. And I traist fermly the kingis
hienes of Eingland and youre grace has providit sa surely and substantiously for the wele and indempnite
of his derrest nephew, enduring his lessage (during his miinority), that ye will now continew and persevere
quhen his grace is growin to consider the sammyn be perfit intelligence. And (if) I ma knaw the kingis
hienes your soveranis gud mynd and your gracis in that behalff, I sall, with Goddis grace, resist the said
Duk, and do his hienes mare steid and plessour with lefull service than he ma do."(9)
In July 1528 King James escaped and in the disguise of a yeoman of the guard rode during the night from
Falkland Palace to Stirling. At this point Sir Archibald, his brother and uncle were declared rebels and
traitors and after being deprived of their offices all of their property was forfeited. King James made a
proclamation that neither Archibald nor any other Douglas should come within seven miles of him. He also
forbid anyone to communicate with Archibald, his two brothers or his uncle Archibald of Kilspindie upon
punishment of death and that none of the Douglas party were to remain in Edinburgh and Archibald was
deprived of the chancellorship. Archibald then locked himself up in his castle of Tantallon before
proceeding to Norham. Archibald went to the border and the King unsuccessfully attempted to capture the
castle of Douglas and the Royal forces were totally dispersed at Coldingham. Archibald then returned to
Tantallon to put his charters and family papers in a huge brazen beef pot which was buried in solid rock
near the castle gate.(10) James then abandonned his seige of Tantallon on 4 Nov. 1528 and during his
retreat he was attacked by Sir Archibald and his forces and his artillery were captured near Dirleton, but he
released his prisoners writing to the Earl of Northumberland:
"I wald nocht dishonour the king here sa fer as to hold his artaillie, bot convoyit the sammyn my selff
quhill (until) it was furthe of danger, and sufferit the maister of artaillie to pas, and prayit him to commend
my lauly service unto my soverane, and to schew his grace that I have bene trew servand and subject to the
sammyn, and that I gave his grace na wyte of ocht that was done to me, bot to the evill avisit personis
about his grace nocht worthy therto, and had done sic dishonour to him at this tyme thai mycht nevir
amend it."(11)
On this occasion the King declared that while he lived no Douglas should find a resting place in Scotland.
On 13 May 1529 Archibald wrote to Wolsey that: "Sa scherply I am persewit... that I ma nocht weill
remane within this realme."
Sir Archibald took refuge in England and was admitted into the privy council of Henry VIII and in 1532 he
received a pension of 1,000 marks. On 25 Aug. 1532 Archibald promised to serve King Henry in event of
war with Scotland: "with suche his sevauntis, adherentis and frendes as he can by any meanes procure" and
to recognise him as supreme lord of Scotland. Henry then increased the earl's pension to £1,000 per year
until he should be restored to his Scottish estates.(12) During his stay in England he made several raids
across the Border against is countrymen.
In Oct. 1541 Queen Margaret died at Methven. On her deathbed she repented her treatment of Archibald
and asked her confessors:
"that thay shold seek on thar knees befor the kyng, and to beseche hem that he wold be good and grachous
unto the Erell of Anguyshe, and dyd extremly lament and aske God marcy that she had afendet unto the
sayd Erell as she hade."(13)
157
DOUGLAS
Sir Walter Scott in "Lady of the Lake" I, 35 states that the King also was filled with remorse:
"Why is it at each turn I trace

Some memory of that exiled race?
Can I not mountain maiden spy,
But she must bear the Douglas eye?
Can I not view a Highland brand,
But it must match the Douglas hand?
Can I not frame a fevered dream,
But still the Douglas is the theme?"
In Aug. 1542 Archibald and Sir Robert Bower were defeated by the Earl of Huntly at Hadden Rig.
After King James' death in Dec. 1542 Archibald returned to Scotland and on 16 Jan. 1542/3 his attainder
was repealed and the Regent delivered the sceptre and baton to Archibald in token of his restoration.(14)
He was then made a Privy Councillor in 1543 and remained a supporter of the English alliance, supporting
the union of the crowns by the marriage of the infant Mary, Queen of Scots and future Edward VI. He was
still receiving money from Henry VIII when the Regent Arran took sides with Cardinal Beaton and the
French interest and Archibald went to Tantallon castle along with the English Ambassador Sadleys.
King Francis sent 10,000 gold crowns and 50 pieces of artillery to his good friend the Earl of Lennox at
Dunbarton who had changed sides after his marriage to Margaret Douglas unknown to the French king.
With this new influx of arms and money Archibald, Lennox, Cassillis and Kilmaurs with 4,000 men
captured Leith. In the autumn of 1543 Archibald summoned his friends to Douglas and they entered a
mutual bond of defence which the Regent took as an act of war and took Dalkeith castle and Pinkie tower
from the Douglas and George Douglas was captured and held in Edinburgh castle as security for his
brother's actions and a peace was concluded between the Douglas and the government. King Henry saw
this as a betrayal of his cause by Archibald and prepared for was despite his protest that he was still in
Henry's service. Unfortunately these letters were intercepted and pronounced treasonable and Cardinal
Beaton locked Archibald and his brother George in Blackness castle. The only reason they did not meet a
traitor's fate is that Henry VIII invaded Scotland on 1 May 1544, his fleet sailing into the Forth under the
Earl of Hertford and Arran needed Douglas support to drive off the enemy. Hertford was stopped at
Edinburgh and proceeded back to England by way of Stirling.
In June 1544 things took a curious turn, a number of the nobility signed an agreement to support the Queen
Mother as Regent and Archibald was appointed Lieutenant General of the Kingdom. Archibald and George
still supported the English interests as stated in the following letter from George to Sir Ralph Eure,
Commander of Berwick:
"I heif cawsit my broder the Erle of Anguse to delayver his commissioun off liutenentrie in afore the
Guvernour and Conselle, making mensioun tht the promisses that vas made to him vas nocht kepit. Thay
cowld feinde no man to exceppe the office. Thay requayrit off me qhow this contray sowld be diffendit, and
I saide the Guvernour sowld diffende it, for it vas his office, and he hade bothe the proffit and the plesour,
and vas ane luste yung man, and meit to be exersit in varefare, and my broder sowld be redde to serve the
Queynis auchtorite, siklayk as uder nowbille men off the realme didde. The Guvernour vald nocht
discharge him off his office, nocht the less I sal cawse him to use him selfe in sik ane sorte that ye sal heif
no cawse to complene off our kayndnes, the King staning gud and grasuis prense to use and our
freindes."(15)
Henry VIII however no longer trusted the Douglases and offered 2,000 crowns for Archibald's head and
1,000 for his brother's and handed over many of the Douglas estates along the Border to his officers.(16)
In 1545 Archibald fought against the English at the battle of Ancrum Moor. He had no use for the English
at this point as his lands had been ravaged by them and because they had defaced the tombs of his ancestors
158
DOUGLAS
at Melrose Abbey. Just as the battle was to begin a heron disturbed by the troops sprung from a nearby
marsh and soared over head. "Oh", said Sir Archibald, "that I had here my white goss-hawk, we should
then all yoke at once". The Regent Arran complimented Sir Archibald and his brother Sir George for their
distinguished conduct during the battle saying in the presence of the Army that their actions had completely
removed all suspicions of their favouring the English. Archibald received from King Francis "the Cockle"
of the Order of St. Michael along with 4,000 crowns to be divided with George. Henry VIII enraged at the
defeat accused Archibald of ingratitude and vowed revenge. When Sir Archibald heard this he said:
"What, is our brother-in-law offended because, like a good Scotsman, I have avenged upon Ralph Eure the
defaced tombs of my ancestors? They were better men than he, and I ought to have done no less and will he
take my life for that? Little knows King Henry the skirts of Kernetable; I can keep myself there against all
his English host."
Archibald and George approved a new alliance with France and vowed to harass the English to the best of
their ability and Archibald was appointed one of the council to assist the Queen, the Regent and Cardinal
Beaton in deciding a proper time for invading England. However the two brothers still corresponded with
the Earl of Hertford and on 16 Aug. 1545 they sent the following letter:
"Right woorshipfull, after most hartly commendacioun. Ye shall understand, that we have commoned
togither and is determyned all in oone of unyon to serve the Kynges majeste (Henry) at thuttermost of our
powers in the setting forwardes of the peax and mariage, whiche we knowe surelie standes with the
pleasure of God, the Kynges majestes contentacioun, the common weale and quyetnes of bothe realmes.
Therfor we thinke for our opinion, if it standes with the Kinges majesties pleasure, that his grace shulde
haselie prepare his substancious armyes in this tyme of harvest, bothe at th'est and west bordres, provided
to remayne a good tyme; for without long remayning there can no highe purpose be made to the Kynges
majestes pleasure. Therfore looke well on that poynte, and when the Kynges armyes cummes in this realme,
ye must set forward your proclamacions declaring howe that your purpose is not to hurte this realme, nor
no subject that is in it that well assist to the sure perfourmyng of the peax and marriage... Further, as to
this last journey of ours (the expedition of the army mustered on 28 July), it was devised by the Quene,
Cardinall and this Frenche capitayne Lorge Mangummary. Huntley fortefyed this armye at his power,
notwithstonding- at short- all that they devised was stopped by us, that are the Kynges freendes. Their hole
intent was to have besieged the Kynges howses, unto the tyme they had gotten bargayn; but all was
stopped, whereof they stoode nothing content. This capitain Lorge will not remayne on our bordres;
wherefore the people thinkes it a sure argument that he is not comme into this countrey for our weales, but
onelie to put forwardes the pleasure of Fraunce, and to cause us to make battel togithers."(17)
This may not be as treasonous as it first appears as Buccleuch held a licence from Arran and Queen Mary
to appear to be an agent for the English, but in reality an agent for Scotland.(18) It cannot be ignored that
they may have still actually been in the English service as the two of them persuaded Arran to disband the
army permitting Henry VIII to wreck havok throughout the country and they may have been involved in the
murder of Cardinal Beaton in May 1546. Archibald and George did however take part in passing the Act of
Parliament which annulled the marriage contract with the English and renounced all bonds they had entered
into with the King of England.
159
DOUGLAS
Monument at the site of the Battle of Pinkie
At the battle of Pinkie 10 Sept. 1547 he commanded the Scottish Army. The Regent Arran ordered
Archibald to attack, but the earl refused on tactical grounds and Arran sent a herald and ordered him to
obey or be guilty of treason. He advanced but Arran and Huntly did not give him any support as their
Highlanders were too busy looting the dead.(19) The Highlanders terrified by the din of the artillery ran off
the field with their booty. The English then took advantage of the situation and completely destroyed the
Scots army. After this defeat the Douglas again supported England with Archibald declaring that he had
never departed from his obligations to the English government "quhilk I never brak nor never intendis to
brak". The English paid little attention and the earl then drove the invaders from his land, but the next year
they returned and levelled Dalkeith castle and captured George's wife and son. Lord Grey however wrote to
Archibald on 4 June telling him not to be disturbed by any apparent unfriendliness towards the Douglases!
(20) Archibald then agreed to the betrothal of Mary, Queen of Scots to the Dauphin and took no further part
in military operations.
In 1554 Arran resigned as regent and Queen Mary of Guise came into power. Archibald opposed the new
taxes proposed by the Queen Regent and rode into Edinburgh with 1,000 cavalry which was prohibited by
edict as no baron was to have more than his household servants. For this offence the Queen issued a
warrant for his arrest and he appeared at the castle gate with his army and demanded admission.
"My lord", said the constable, "this is an order to which I am little used. Have you your warrant?"
Angus handed the order over to the constable who replied: "But my lord I am here directed to receive you
with but three or four to serve you."
"Just what I told my lads" replied Archibald, "but they said they durst not and would not go home to my
wife Meg without me."
The constable declined to receive the prisoner in that fashion and the earl then stated that he had complied
with the Queen's command and had been refused admission. On his way home Archibald remarked that: "I
tell thee these Douglas lads are wise lads; they think it best at the present time to be loose and lievand (free
and living)."(21)
160
DOUGLAS
In 1556 Archibald suffered from St. Anthony's fire (ergotism) and died at Tantallon castle in Jan. 1556/7
and was buried at Abernethy.
Issue- first three children by his mistress, a daughter of Stewart of Traquair, fourth child by Margaret
Tudor, Queen of Scots, last child by Margaret Maxwell.
 I. Elizabeth- letter of legitimation procured 2 Mar. 1526

 22II. JANET- m. PATRICK RUTHVEN
 III. George- d. 1598/9, letter of legitimation procured 14 Mar. 1543. George was one of Rizzio's
assassins, Abbot of Arbroath, and Bishop of Moray.
 IV. Margaret- m. July 1544, London, Earl of Lennox. Margaret was the mother of Lord Darnley.
Portrait of Margaret
 V. James- d.s.p. before 1556
Ref:
(1) Fraser- II, 177-8; III, 213; Original at Douglas

(2) Letters and Papers- III, No.166
(3) Fraser- IV, 75; original in British Museum
(4) Letters and Papers- III, No.467,481,482
(5) Fraser- IV, 90
(6) Letters and Papers- IV, No.1111,1446
(8) Foedera- XIV, 114,122
(9) Fraser- IV, 122; original in British Museum
(10) Godscroft's Manuscript
(11) Fraser- IV, 137
(12) Ibid- 139; original in British Museum
(13) State Papers- Henry VIII, v.194
(14) Ibid- v.238,239,585; Acts of Parl. Scot.- II, 415
161
DOUGLAS
(16) Hamilton Papers- II, 538
(18) The Scotts of Buccleuch- Wm. Fraser, I, 110
(19) Godscroft's MS- quoted by Fraser, II, 278 note
(21) Godscroft's MS- quoted by Fraser, II, 283

23II. ANDREW (WILLIAM 1, ARCHIBALD 2)
There is no proof that he was the son of Archibald of Douglas but this relationship is assumed because
Andrew was in possession of the lands of Hermiston in Midlothian and Livingston in West Lothian which
had been granted to Archibald before 1226 from Malcolm, Earl of Fife.(1) Andrew is called brother of
William Douglas in a charter from Ralph Noble to David of Graham in 1245.(2) He and William were
witnesses to a charter in 1248 to the monks of Dunfermline.(3) Andrew was present at the marriage
contract of his nephew Hugh Douglas with Marjorie Abernethy in 1259.(4)
Issue-
 24I. WILLIAM-
 II. Freskin-
Ref:
(1) Registrum Honoris de Morton- I, XXXIII, XXXIV

(2) Red Book of Menteith- II, 209-11
(3) Reg. do Dunfermelyn- 97
(4) The Douglas Book- III, 2
"The Scots Peerage"- Vol.VI, pp.337-8
24I. WILLIAM (WILLIAM 1, ARCHIBALD 2, ANDREW 3)
William was confirmed in the lands of Hermiston in 1277 by Alexander III.(1) He appears on the homage
roll at Berwick 28 Aug. 1296.(2)
Issue-
 25I. JAMES- m. JOAN ______ (alive in 1337), d. before 20 Apr. 1323

 II. Andrew-
Ref:
(1) Reg. Honor de Morton- II, 8

(2) Cal. Doc. Scot.- II, 208,556
"The Scots Peerage"- Vol.VI, p.338
25I. JAMES (WILLIAM 1, ARCHIBALD 2, ANDREW 3, WILLIAM 4)
162
DOUGLAS
m. JOAN ______ (alive in 1337)
d. before 20 Apr. 1323
On 2 Apr. 1315 James received from King Robert the Bruce a grant of the lands of Kincavil and Caldor
Clere (East Calder) in Linlithgowshire at a rental of £12/5/10 and later in 1317 with an annual rent of ten
marks payable to Reginald Crawford a servant of the King for the service of an archer in the royal army.(1)
Joan was alive in 1337 when she was drawing her terce from the lands of Blackness.(2)
Issue- first four children by Joan
 I. William- m. Elizabeth ______ (m.2. 1355 Hugh Dacre)

 26II. JOHN- m. AGNES ______ (m.1. John Munfode), d. between 1346 and 1350
 III. James- killed Aug. 1335
 IV. Elizabeth- m. Thomas Somerville of Carnwath
 V. William- "the Elder"
Ref:
(1) Reg. Honor de Norton- II, 11; Reg. Mag. Sig.- I, No.59
(2) Cal. Doc. Scot.- III, No.389
"The Scots Peerage"- Vol.VI, p.338-44
26II. JOHN (WILLIAM 1, ARCHIBALD 2, ANDREW 3, WILLIAM 4, JAMES 5)
m. AGNES ______ (m.1. John Munfode)

killed between 1346 and 1350
John is said to have defended Lochleven castle against the English. He was killed by David Barclay
sometime between 1346 and 1350.
Lochleven Castle
Issue-
163
DOUGLAS
 I. James- Lord of Dalkeith, m. int. Oct. 1378 Egidia Stewart (m.1. Sir James Lindsay of Crawford, 2.
after Oct. 1357 Sir Hugh of Eglinton)
 II. William- alive 1 June 1406
 III. John- m. Mariota Chene (m.2. John Keith), d. before 26 May 1366
 27IV. HENRY- m. before 19 May 1384 MARGERY STEWART (m.1. Roger Magven of that ilk, 2.
Alexander Lindsay of Glenesk), d. before 1393
 V. Thomas- ?m. Margaret Creswell, d. before 1 June 1406
 VI. Nicholas- m. Janet Galbraith of Gartconnell, d. before 1 June 1406
 VII. Ellen-
 VIII. Margaret-
 IX. Elizabeth-
Ref:
27IV. HENRY (WILLIAM 1, ARCHIBALD 2, ANDREW 3, WILLIAM 4, JAMES 5, JOHN 6)
m. before 19 May 1384 MARGERY STEWART, daughter of John of Relston, brother of Robert II, (m.1.
Roger Magven of that ilk, 2. Alexander Lindsay of Glenesk)
d. before 1393
On 20 Sept. 1369 Henry had a charter from David II of one third of Lugtoun.(1) He had a safe conduct 16
May 1374 to visit Canterbury.(2) On 3 Jan. 1383/4 he had a charter to certain annual rents in Peebleshire.
(3) He had a precept and confirmation of the lands of Halkeiton and Esperton held by Ballentrodach kirk in
1388.(4) He was sent to England by Robert II to receive the oath of Richard II regarding the treaty with
France 18 June 1389. He had three charters from the king one on 18 Mar. 1389/0 to the barony of Lugtoun,
Lochleven castle and land in Kinross and the lands of Langnewton, Roxburghshire.(5)
Issue-
 28I. WILLIAM- m. ELIZABETH LINDSAY, d. 1421

 II. Henry-
 III. Margaret- m. Sir John Wallace of Craigie
 IV. Elene- m. John Fairlie of Braid
Ref:
(1) Reg. Mag. Sig.- folio Vol. 168

(2) Foedera- VII, 37
(3) Reg. Mag. Sig.- fol. Vol. 167
(4) Harl. MS- No.6439
(5) Ibid- No.1741, 4-5-6
28I. WILLIAM (WILLIAM 1, ARCHIBALD 2, ANDREW 3, WILLIAM 4, JAMES 5, JOHN 6,

HENRY 7)
m. ELIZABETH LINDSAY
d. 1421
164
DOUGLAS
William succeeded his father 20 Dec. 1409 and acquired the lands of Ralstoun upon the resignation of these
lands by Walter Stewart his uncle in 1416.(1) These lands he later gave to his son James.
He had a dispensation by Henry, Bishop of St. Andrews for his marriage with Elizabeth Lindsay of Brechin
as they were in the third and fourth degrees of consanguinity.(3)
William accompanied the Earls of Buchan and Wigtown to France where he was killed in the battle of
Beauge or Fresnay le Comte in 1421.(2)
Issue-
 29I. HENRY- m. ELIZABETH ERSKINE

 II. James- m. Jonet Fenton of Baky
 III. Alexander-
 IV. Elizabeth- m. Richard Lovel of Ballumby, Maid of Honor to Queen Joanna
Ref:
(1) Exch. Rolls- IV, p.CXC

(2) Wemyss Book- 47
(3) Harl. MS- No. 6438

29I. HENRY (WILLIAM 1, ARCHIBALD 2, ANDREW 3, WILLIAM 4, JAMES 5, JOHN 6,
HENRY 7, WILLIAM 8)
m. ELIZABETH, daughter of Robert ERSKINE
Henry witnessed a charter to Robert Conynghame of Kilmaurs 30 June 1425.(1) He was one of the
hostages for James I and went to England as a substitute for Norman Leslie.(2) He was released 20 June
1432 and was knighted before 24 Jan. 1440/1 when he witnessed a charter to the Earl of Mar. (3) He and
Elizabeth had a a charter to the lands of Keillor, Perthshire 7 July 1464.(4) He witnessed a charter to
Alexander Leslie of Balcomie 30 Jan. 1468/9.(5)
Issue-
 30I. ROBERT- m.1. ELIZABETH BOSWELL, 2. after 1476 Isobel Sibbald, 3. before 1503 Marion
Baillie, d. Flodden
 II. David-
 III. Thomas-
Ref:
(1) Reg. Mag. Sig.- 28 Oct. 1425

(2) Foedera- X, 381, 509
(3) Reg. Mag. Sig.- 30 Oct. 1444
(4) Reg. Mag. Sig.
(5) Ibid-
165
DOUGLAS
30I. ROBERT (WILLIAM 1, ARCHIBALD 2, ANDREW 3, WILLIAM 4, JAMES 5, JOHN 6,
HENRY 7, WILLIAM 8, HENRY 9)
m.1. ELIZABETH, daughter of David BOSWELL of Balmuto

2. after 1476 Isobel, daughter of John Sibbald of Balgony (m.1. George Douglas, Earl of Angus, 2. John
Carmichael of Baladie, d. between 1500 and Feb. 1502/3)
3. before 1503 Marion, daughter of William Baillie of Lamington (m.1. John, Lord Lindsay of the Byres)
d. 9 Sept. 1513 Flodden
Robert had a charter to the lands and barony of Kinross and Lochleven castle 16 Oct. 1463.(1) On 2 July
1495 he had a charter of half the lands of Dalqueich, Kinross and the rest from John Peebles 19 June 1497.
(2) He was knighted before 14 Mar. 1503/4 when he witnessed a charter.(3)
Issue-
 31I. ROBERT- m.1. MARGARET BALFOUR, 2. Jan. 1499/0 Margaret Hay (m.2. Alexander Fraser,
3. Sir Gilbert Keith)
 II. Agnes- m. Thomas Hamilton of Raploch
 III. Margaret- m.1. 1484 Sir David Stewart of Rosyth, 2. Henry Mercer of Meiklour
Ref:
(1) Reg. Mag. Sig. (2) Ibid- 28 June 1498 (3) Ibid-

HENRY 7, WILLIAM 8, HENRY 9, ROBERT 10)
m.1. MARGARET, daughter of David BALFOUR of Burleigh

2. Jan. 1499/0 Margaret Hay, daughter of William, Earl of Errol (m.1. Alexander Fraser of Philorth, 2.
before 1526 Sir Gilbert Keith of Inverugie)
Robert was served heir to his father 15 & 20 Oct. 1514.(1) On 4 Feb. 1519/0 he sold to Henry Balfour,
rector of Loncardy the Eastertown of Tilliochy in Kinross.(2) On 15 Oct. 1517 he granted the friars of St.
Andrews an annual rent of twenty marks from his lands of Keillor and on 10 June 1519 another of five
marks from Bordland.(3)
Issue-
 32I. THOMAS- m. ELIZABETH BOYD

 II. Henry-
 III. Margaret- m. before 12 Aug. 1516 Henry Stewart of Rosyth
 IV. Robert- m. Janet Ramsay
 V. Richard- macer of the Court of Session
Ref:
(1) Harl. MS- No. 6435

(2) Reg. Mag. Sig.
(3) Ibid- 15 May 1522
166
DOUGLAS
"The Scots Peerage"- Vol.VI, p.368
32I. THOMAS (WILLIAM 1, ARCHIBALD 2, ANDREW 3, WILLIAM 4, JAMES 5, JOHN 6,

HENRY 7, WILLIAM 8, HENRY 9, ROBERT 10, ROBERT 11)
m. ELIZABETH, daughter of Archibald BOYD of Nariston
Thomas witnessed his father's charter of 15 Oct. 1517 and died before his father.
Issue-
 33I. ROBERT- m. MARGARET ERSKINE, killed 10 Sept. 1547

 II. John- parson of Newlands
 III. Henry-
 IV. Margaret- m. William Melville of Raith (d.c.1547), alive May 1584
 V. Marion- m. John Lindsay of Dowhill
 VI. Elizabeth- m. Alexander Alexander of Menstrie
Ref:
"The Scots Peerage"- Vol.VI, pp.368-9

HENRY 7, WILLIAM 8, HENRY 9, ROBERT 10, ROBERT 11, ROBERT 12)
m. MARGARET, daughter of John, Lord ERSKINE (mistress of James V, mother of Regent Moray, d. 5
May 1572)
killed at battle of Pinkie 10 Sept. 1547
In 1536 King James seriously entertained the thought of forcing Margaret to obtain a divorce from Robert
in order to make her his queen and wrote a letter to the Pope concerning this.(1) If this had occured
Margaret's son by the King would probably have been legitimized and succeeded as James VI.
On 20 Feb. 1539/0 Robert had a Royal charter to the lands of Fossoway in Perth.(2) On 17 Oct. 1540 he
had a charter of the Lordship of Dalkeith and other lands upon the resignation of James Douglas, Earl of
Morton. James V had coerced James to resign his earldom and lands in favor of Robert under threat of
imprisonment in Inverness if he did not comply.(3) No reason was given in the King's letter to his treasurer
on 18 Oct. notifying him of the transfer, but possibly it was because Morton was a cripple and had no sons.
The real reason appeared on 20 Jan. 1541 when Robert was forced to resign the Earldom of Morton and the
Lordship of Dalkeith into the King's hands under threat of death and of losing his estate of Lochleven.(4)
This resignation however the Court of Session thought to be a forced one so in 1542 they reduced the
charter making some compromising reflections on James V and returned the Earldom to James Douglas.(5)
On 20 Jan. 1540/1 Robert had a Royal Charter to himself in liferent and to his son William in fee of the
lands and barony of Kinross with the castle and loch of Lochleven, the burgh of Kinross being made a
barony and the lands and baronies of Keillour, Lugtoun and Langnewton.(6) On 27 March 1546 he and his
wife had a charter from John Charteris of Cuthilgurdy to the lands of Cuthilgurdy.(7)
Issue-
 34I. WILLIAM- b. 1539/0, m.c.1565 AGNES LESLIE, d. 27 Sept. 1606

 II. Robert- Earl of Buchan
167
DOUGLAS
 III. George- m.1. after 1575 Jonet Lindsay of Dowhill, (m.1. Andrew Lundie of Balgony, 2. William
Scott of Balwearie), 2. after 1593 Margaret Duris (m.1. William Scott of Abbotshall)
 IV. Euphemia- m. Patrick, Lord Lindsay of the Byres, d. June 1580
 35V. JANET- m. JAMES COLVILLE of Carter Wemyss
 VI. Catherine- m. David Durie of Durie
Ref:
(1) Letters and Papers- X, No. 1229

(2) Reg. Mag. Sig.
(3) Morton- II, 260-9, 289-90
(4) Ibid- 281-93
(5) Burnett MS; Reg. Honor. de Morton- II, 281-93; Reg. Mag. Sig. 30 May 1542 & 2 June 1564
(6) Reg. Mag. Sig.
(7) Ibid-
"History of the House of Douglas"- I, 243-5, II, 104,156

"The Scotts Peerage"- VI, 369-70
34I. WILLIAM (WILLIAM 1, ARCHIBALD 2, ANDREW 3, WILLIAM 4, JAMES 5, JOHN 6,
HENRY 7, WILLIAM 8, HENRY 9, ROBERT 10, ROBERT 11, ROBERT 12, ROBERT 13)
b. 1539/0
m.c.1565 AGNES LESLIE, daughter of George, Earl of Rothes
d. 27 Sept. 1606
William succeeded to the Lochleven estates at his father's death at the battle of Pinkie in 1547. After Queen
Mary's marriage to Darnley, William was commanded on 7 Nov. 1565 to deliver Lochleven Castle to the
Queen's officers with all the artillery and munitions, but because William was "extremelie sick, in perrell of
his lyffe" he was allowed to keep the castle with the understanding that it may be taken over on 24 hours
notice.(1) William's malady must have been short lived as he was involved in Riccio's assassination on 9
March 1566 and was formally charged for murder on 9 March 1566.(2)
On 16 June 1567 he received a warrant for the detention of the Queen's person to Lochleven castle:
168
DOUGLAS
"Patrik Lord Lindsay of the Byris, William Lord Ruthven and William Douglas of Lochlevin topas and
convoy hir Majestie to the said place of Lochlevin and the said lard to ressave hir thairin, and thair thay
and every ane of thame to keip hir Majestie suirlie within the said place, and on na wyse to suffer hir pas
furth of the same... as thai will ansuer to God and upon thair dewitie to the commounweill of this
cuntrie."(3)
Mary was accompanied by Mary Seton, Marie Courcelles and Jane Kennedy. Upon hearing that the Queen
had abdicated William signed a document on 28 July 1567 stating that the abdication was concluded
without his knowledge, that he had taken no part in compelling her to abdicate and that upon hearing of it
he offered to escort the Queen to Stirling so she could declare her own will. The Queen declined the Laird's
offer saying that: "for the present sche culd nocht be prepairit to pas thair, bot desirit the said William that
sche micht remane in his place and use hir self at hir eas and quietnes as sche has done heir to fore."(4)
Mary did not remain there long as Marie Courcelles had laid all the plans for an escape with the help of
George Douglas and Willie Douglas the foundling. On Sunday 2 May 1568 Willie, while waiting on the
family at supper, was able to throw a napkin over the castle keys and took them to Marie Courcelles who
brought the Queen to the postern gate where a boat was waiting for them with an escort. William avoided
suspicion in the affair due to the influence of his powerfull relative Morton. He commanded part of the
Regent's army at Lanside on 12 May and was valuable in reinforcing the right wing of the force at a critical
moment.(5)
Mary, Queen of Scots
After Mary's escape the Laird was active in the King's party and accompanied Moray, Morton and
Lethington to York when they presented their case against Mary, Queen of Scots to the English
commissioners in 1568/9. After their return William was appointed to the command of St. Andrews Castle.
(6) In Aug. 1570 he was appointed to assemble the nobles to "persew and assege" the castle of Longnewton
held by Rutherford of Fernietoun.(7)
William had a charter to Pharington in Roxburgh 23 Oct. 1574 and subscribed a bond of manrent to the
Earl of Mar 3 May 1578.(8)
Lochleven castle became a state prison and after his capture the Earl of Northumberland, leader of the
Catholic uprising in Northern England was placed there under the keeping of the Laird who had the power
169
DOUGLAS
to make whatever terms he chose with the English for his release.(9) William encouraged the countess to
bid up the Earl's ransom to 10,000 crowns (£2,000) and instead of sending the earl back to his wife he sold
him to Sir John Foster for the same amount who took him to York where he was beheaded.(10)
William was a close associate of the Earl of Morton and when he was driven from power in 1578 he sought
refuge at Lochleven.
On 20 Sept. 1580 the King granted to William all the lands of his deceased brother Robert Douglas, Earl of
Buchan and was appointed sheriff and coroner of Banff in 1584.(11)
After Morton's arrest the Laird was ordered to go beyond Cromarty Firth 30 March 1581 and to stay there
under a penalty of £10,000 with James Colville of Easter Wemyss and George Douglas of Rungarvie as
sureties.(12) William was not in much disfavor as the King wrote to him the following day:
"Traist freind, We greit yow weill. Giff we had bene present with our counsale quhen your bill wes red We
sould have insistit to have had sumqyhat of your desire aggreit unto. Alwyis seing it is thocht gude be the
Lordis that ye first enter in your ward conforme to thair formar ordinance quhilk we of our self may not
with ressoun alter, ye sall thairfoir satisfie thair desire... We commit Zou to God."(13)
In the management of the Buchan estates William seems to have exceeded the rights of a landlord and the
King wrote him the following:
"Forsamekill as We as informit be oure louittis servitouris Archibald Broky in Downe and Thomas Broky
his sone in the Baddis that ye, upoun the gift of the waird gevin be ws to you of the Erledome of Buchan
have causit warne thame to remove frome thair rowmes and possessionis quhairin thay have remanit
kyndlie and native tennentis thir mony and divers yeiris bygane committing na cryme nor offence aganis
thair maisteris in tymes past nather yit to you sen your entrie to the erledome of Buchan paying alsua thair
dewitie and service according to thair assedationis: Thairfoir seing the sed gift wes nocht gevin to the wrak
of the saidis puir tennentis We will you that ye upoun your rycht set thame thair rowmes and possessionis
for payment of thair dewitie contenit in thair auld rentall and quhilk thay payit to umquhile Robert
Dowglas last Erle of Buchane and that ye remove thame nocht fra thair kyndlie possessionis and rowmes
as ye will We did yow kyndnes and plesure in tymes cuming."(14)
William's son Robert took part in the Raid of Ruthven on 22 Aug. 1582 and William signed the bond of the
confederates on 30 Aug. for the establishment of the "trew religioune and reform of justice".(15)
When King James gave the Earl of Mar the slip in June 1583 and James Stuart, Earl of Arran returned to
power William was forfeited.(16) He was imprisoned in Inverness castle until 8 Dec. and after paying the
huge amount of £20,000 the forfeiture was repealed on condition that he leave Britain within 30 days.(17)
He went to La Rochelle where he and the other confederates plotted the re-establishment of the Protestant
regime which occured in Oct. 1585. On 5 Jan. 1586/7 he had a charter of confirmation as heir of his father
from Cardinal Beaton in gratitude for the defence of the Church against the Lutheran heresy to the lands of
Kinnesswood and others 25 June 1544 and another by Sir Michael Donaldson, Prior of St. Serf's to the
lands of Kirkness 9 Oct. 1544.(18)
In 1588 William succeeded to the Earldom of Morton and on 20 June 1589 he had a charter to the Earldom
and the Castle of Dalkeith. As leader of the Presbyterians he was high in the favor of the King who
appointed him his lieutenant in the south of Scotland in Sept. 1594.(19)
On 22 July 1594 he had a lease of the lands of Tulloes and others in Forfar which belonged to the
monastery of Arbroath.(20) On 23 Jan. 1606 he had a Royal Charter to the lands of Colquhair and others in
Annandale.(21)
170
DOUGLAS
Issue-
 I. Robert- m. Jean Lyon (m.2. Earl of Angus, 3. before Apr. 1593 Alexander Lindsay), drowned 1584
 II. James- m.1. 1587 Mary Kerr of Fernihurst, 2. 1598 Helen Scott of Abbotshall, 3. 1609 Jean
Anstruther of that ilk, d. before 15 Oct.1620
 III. Archibald- m. Barbara Forbes (m.1. Robert Allandyce, 2. Alexander Hay of Delgatie), d. 1649
Orkney
 IV. George- m. 1597 Margaret Forrester of Strathendry, d. before 9 Dec. 1609
 V. Margaret- m. 1574 Sir John Wemyss of that ilk, d. before 1581
 VI. Christian- m.1. 1576 Laurence, Master of Oliphant, 2. 9 Jan. 1586 Alexander, Earl of Home, d.
between 1591 and 1607
 VII. Mary- m. 1582 Walter, Lord Ogilvie of Deskford
 VIII. Euphema- m. 1586 Sir Thomas Lyon of Baldukie, Lord High Treasurer
 IX. Agnes- m. 24 July 1592 Archibald, Earl of Argyll, d. 3 May 1607
 36X. ELIZABETH- m. before July 1590 FRANCIS HAY
 XI. Jean- d.s.p.
Ref:
(1) Reg. Privy Council- I, 390,396

(2) P.C. Reg.- I, 436
(3) Morton- I, 24
(4) Ibid- 27
(5) "Memoirs"- Melville, 202
(6) Morton- I, 53
(7) Ibid- 60
(8) P.C. Reg.- II, 691; Reg. Mag. Sig.
(9) Morton- I, 75
(10) Historical Manuscripts Commission- Hatfield MSS, I part 2, p.7
(11) Morton- I, 124; P.C. Reg.- III, 312, 705
(12) Morton- I, 127
(13) Ibid-
(14) Ibid- 129
(15) P.C. Reg.- III, 507
(16) Morton- I, 141
(17) Reg. Privy Council- III, 613, 615, 620, 652
(18) Reg. Mag. Sig.-
(19) P.C. Reg.- V, 175, 179
(20) Reg. Mag. Sig.-
(21) Ibid-
"History of the House of Douglas"- II, 156-65

"The Scotts Peerage"- VI, 370 ff.
38III. WILLIAM (WILLIAM 1, ARCHIBALD 2, WILLIAM 3, WILLIAM 4, JAMES 5)
b.c.1305
mistress ?MARGARET DUNBAR
killed battle of Halidon Hill 19 July 1333
William was the Laird of Douglas, however, never married. His daughter Margaret being illegitimate.
Issue-
171
DOUGLAS
 39I. MARGARET- m. ALEXANDER MONTGOMERY, Laird of Eaglesham
NOTES:
172

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DOUGLAS

"Of Murrawe and the Douglas

"Caledonia"- George Chalmers, Vol.I, p.579

2I. ARCHIBALD (WILLIAM 1)

m.? MARGARET De CRAWFORD

3I. WILLIAM (WILLIAM 1, ARCHIBALD 2)

m.1. ELIZABETH, daughter of Alexander the Steward (d. before 1288)

Ruins of Douglas Castle

"Thus thai slayand ware sa fast

The Tower of London

Issue- first child by Elizabeth, last two by Eleanor

 5I. JAMES- d. 25 Aug. 1330, Spain

"History of the House of Douglas"- Vol.I, pp.20-8

5I. JAMES (WILLIAM 1, ARCHIBALD 2, WILLIAM 3, WILLIAM 4)

"What lands doth he claim?", said the King.

"But worthy James of Douglas

"For mele and malt and blud and wyn (wine)

St. Bride's Church- Douglas

"The aventurous castell of Douglass,

"Alwais by tham ner

James Douglas' Tomb- St. Bride's Church

"Bot he was nocht sa far (fair) that we

(1) "The Brus"- Barbour, XVII

"History of the House of Douglas"- Vol.I, pp.29-66

"He wes a lord off gret bownte,

"History of the House of Douglas"- Vol.I, pp.114-26

8II. JAMES (WILLIAM 1, ARCHIBALD 2, WILLIAM 3, WILLIAM 4, JAMES 5, ARCHIBALD 6)

m.1. ? Lady Beatrix Stewart (d.s.p.)

James of Douglas, Wardane of the Marche.

James was at the General Council at Edinburgh in April 1441.(5)

(1) Fraser- I, 434- quoting a charter at Cavers

"History of the House of Douglas"- Vol.I, pp.157-61

m. 1387 EGIDIA STEWART, daughter of Robert II

"A yhowny joly bachelere

 I. William- disappeared about 1408 (3)

(1) Wyntoun- IX, c.7

"History of the House of Douglas"- Vol.I, pp.126-8

6III. ARCHIBALD (WILLIAM 1, ARCHIBALD 2, WILLIAM 3, WILLIAM 4)

m. BEATRICE LINDSAY of Crawford

 I. John- d. before 1342, France

"History of the House of Douglas"- Vol.I, pp.71-5

12II. WILLIAM (WILLIAM 1, ARCHIBALD 2, WILLIAM 3, WILLIAM 4, ARCHIBALD 5)

m. Lady Margaret Mar (m.2. 1388 Sir John de Swinton)

"And the King to this mariage

Issue- first two children by first wife, last two by Margaret

 I. James- b.c.1358, m. Princess Isabel Bruce, d. Aug. 1388

(1) Morton- II, 46

"History of the House of Douglas"- Vol.I, pp.76-94

13III. GEORGE (WILLIAM 1, ARCHIBALD 2, WILLIAM 3, WILLIAM 4, ARCHIBALD 5,

(1) Fraser- III, 38

"History of the House of Douglas"- Vol.II, pp.5-7

14I. WILLIAM (WILLIAM 1, ARCHIBALD 2, WILLIAM 3, WILLIAM 4, ARCHIBALD 5,

 I. James- b.c.1426, d.s.p.1446

(1) Foedera- X, 307

"History of the House of Douglas"- Vol.II, pp.8-11

16II. GEORGE (WILLIAM 1, ARCHIBALD 2, WILLIAM 3, WILLIAM ,4 ARCHIBALD 5,

m. ISABELLA SIBBALD of Balgony, Fife (m.2. Robert Douglas of Lochleven)

"History of the House of Douglas"- Vol.II, pp.14-21

17I. ARCHIBALD (WILLIAM 1, ARCHIBALD 2, WILLIAM 3, WILLIAM 4, ARCHIBALD 5,