Agnes Dunbar (mistress) facts for kids
Agnes Dunbar was an important woman in Scotland during the late 1300s. She was a close companion of King David II of Scotland, who was the son of the famous King Robert the Bruce.
Her Family Background
Agnes came from a powerful Scottish family. Her aunt was Agnes Randolph, who was known as the "Black Agnes" because she bravely defended Dunbar Castle. Agnes Dunbar was possibly raised by her aunt.
Her mother was Isabella Randolph. Isabella was the sister of Countess Agnes and the daughter of Thomas Randolph, 1st Earl of Moray. Her father, Sir Patrick Dunbar, also came from a noble family.
Agnes had a "very dear brother" named George Dunbar, 10th Earl of March. He gave her land in Mordington and Whittinghame when she married Sir James Douglas of Dalkeith.
Her First Marriage
Before her connection with King David II, Agnes was married to a man named Robert. They had children together.
Connection with King David II
Around 1369, Agnes became a special friend to King David II of Scotland. The King even started giving her money to support her from that year onwards.
King David II wanted to marry Agnes. However, he was still married to his second wife, Margaret Drummond, Queen of Scotland. The King tried to get a divorce from Margaret, saying she could not have children. But Pope Urban V did not allow the divorce.
King David was still planning to marry Agnes when he suddenly died in February 1371. Just one month before he passed away, a very large payment of 1000 merks was arranged for Agnes.
Her Second Marriage
On November 21, 1372, Agnes married Sir James Douglas of Dalkeith. They had a son named James Douglas, 1st Lord Dalkeith. They also had a daughter, Jacoba Douglas. Jacoba later married John Hamilton of Cadzow. Agnes and Sir James's great-grandson became James Douglas, 1st Earl of Morton.
