Alexander Stewart, 4th High Steward of Scotland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alexander Stewart
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| 4th High Steward of Scotland | |
Coat of arms of Stewart, High Stewards of Scotland: Or, a fess chequy argent and azure. The fess is an allusion to the chequered tablecloth used by the High Steward in the Court of Exchequer for counting money.
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| Tenure | 1246–1282 |
| Predecessor | Walter Stewart, 3rd High Steward of Scotland |
| Successor | James Stewart, 5th High Steward of Scotland |
| Born | c. 1220 |
| Died | 1282 |
| Nationality | Scottish |
| Parents | Walter Stewart, 3rd High Steward of Scotland |
Alexander Stewart (born around 1220, died 1282) was a very important Scottish leader. He was also known as Alexander of Dundonald. In 1241, he took over from his father as the hereditary High Steward of Scotland. This was a powerful and important job in the Scottish kingdom.
Contents
Who Was Alexander Stewart?
Alexander Stewart was the son of Walter Stewart, 3rd High Steward of Scotland. His family held the important title of High Steward for many generations.
Alexander's Life and Work
Alexander Stewart was a busy and influential person in Scotland. He took part in several important events during his lifetime.
Adventures Abroad
Alexander went on a big journey called the Seventh Crusade with King Louis IX of France. A crusade was a religious military expedition. During this journey, his younger brother, John, sadly died in Egypt in 1249.
Alexander also made a special trip, called a pilgrimage, to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. A pilgrimage is a journey to a holy place. To honor Saint James, he named his oldest son James. This name was not very common in Scotland before then.
Helping to Rule Scotland
In 1255, Alexander became one of the Regents of Scotland. Regents are people who rule a country when the king is too young. At this time, King Alexander III was still a child.
Alexander Stewart played a key role in defending Scotland. In October 1263, he led the right side of the Scottish army at the Battle of Largs. They successfully stopped King Haakon IV of Norway from invading Scotland.
Growing the Stewart Family Power
It seems that during Alexander's time, the Stewart family gained control of the Cowal peninsula. They also had a castle there at Dunoon.
Alexander was very involved in the country's affairs during King Alexander III's reign. His title changed from "steward of the king of Scotland" to "steward of Scotland." This showed that his job was now a major national role, not just a job in the king's household.
Alexander Stewart died in 1282. His son, James, took over as the next High Steward.
Alexander's Family
Alexander Stewart was married to a woman named Jean. They had four children:
- James Stewart, 5th High Steward of Scotland
- Sir John Stewart of Bonkyll
- Elizabeth Stewart, who married Sir William Douglas the Hardy
- Hawise Stewart, who married John de Soules
