Alexander Stewart, Duke of Albany facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Alexander |
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| Duke of Albany | |
| Successor | John Stewart |
| Born | c. 1454 |
| Died | 7 August 1485 (aged 31) Paris, France |
| Burial | Couvent des Célestins, Paris, France |
| Spouse | Lady Katherine Sinclair Anne de la Tour d'Auvergne |
| Issue | Alexander, Bishop of Moray Andrew Stewart John, Duke of Albany Maud Stewart Margaret Stewart (illegitimate) |
| House | Stewart |
| Father | James II of Scotland |
| Mother | Mary of Guelders |
Alexander Stewart, Duke of Albany (born around 1454, died August 7, 1485) was a Scottish prince. He was the second son of King James II of Scotland. Alexander had a difficult relationship with his older brother, King James III. This led him to leave Scotland and seek help in France.
In 1482, Alexander returned to Scotland with an army from King Edward IV of England. He took control of the country for a short time. However, Scottish nobles turned against him in 1483, and he had to flee again. A second attempt to invade Scotland in 1484 failed. This was because the new English king, King Richard III, did not support him. Alexander died in Paris, France, during a duel.
Contents
Early Life and Important Roles
Alexander was the second son of King James II and his wife, Mary of Guelders. He was given the title of Duke of Albany before 1458. He also became the Earl of March and was given control of lands like Annandale and the Isle of Man.
In 1460, Alexander traveled to Europe, visiting Guelders, his mother's homeland. When he returned in 1464, he was captured by the English but was soon released. As he grew older, Alexander became involved in Scotland's government and defense. He quickly became the Lord High Admiral of Scotland, in charge of the navy. He was also made Warden of the Marches, meaning he protected the border areas between Scotland and England.
Some of Alexander's actions on the Scottish border caused concern. He was accused of breaking truces and causing violence against England. This went against a marriage agreement made in 1474 by his brother, King James III.
Conflict with His Brother
In 1479, Alexander's lands as Earl of March were taken from him. He then fled by sea to Paris, France. In September 1479, King Louis XI of France welcomed him. Alexander also gained royal favor by marrying Anne de la Tour. However, King Louis would not help him attack his brother, King James III.
So, Alexander went to England. In June 1482, he made an agreement with King Edward IV at Fotheringhay. This agreement, called the Treaty of Fotheringhay, stated that Alexander would rule Scotland under England's control. In return, King Edward would help him and give England control of the southern parts of Scotland.
Alexander then marched towards Berwick with the Duke of Gloucester (who later became King Richard III). They led a very large English army of 20,000 men. Berwick was captured, which was the last time it would change hands between England and Scotland. With a smaller force, Alexander then moved on to Edinburgh.
Meanwhile, King James III was captured at Lauder Bridge and imprisoned in Edinburgh Castle. Some historians believe Alexander worked with a group of powerful Scottish nobles who felt left out of power. These nobles included the king's half-uncles, the Earls of Atholl and Buchan.
The Duke of Gloucester seemed satisfied with capturing Berwick. He left Edinburgh on August 11. After he left, the nobles who had captured King James III started working with Alexander. By early October, Alexander was acting as the country's lieutenant-general, a very high position. He also took control of the earldom of Mar and got back his old lands and titles.
However, Alexander taking the earldom of Mar upset George Gordon, 2nd Earl of Huntly, a very powerful noble. Huntly wanted that earldom for himself. At a parliament meeting in December 1482, Alexander hoped to have his high position confirmed. But King James III managed to convince some of the nobles who had captured him to return to his side. These included John Stewart, Lord Darnley, who was in charge of Edinburgh Castle.
Because of this, the parliament passed confusing laws. Alexander fled to Dunbar between Christmas and New Year's. On January 2, 1483, Alexander tried to capture the king again, but he failed. King Edward IV promised Alexander more help on February 11. On March 19, Alexander forced the king into a humiliating agreement.
When King Edward IV died on April 9, 1483, Alexander lost his main support. Soon after, he fled south, leaving an English army in Dunbar Castle.
Final Years and Death
In July 1484, Alexander invaded Scotland again. This time, he had a small force with James Douglas, 9th Earl of Douglas, who had been exiled for a long time. They fought at the Battle of Lochmaben Fair, but the invasion was defeated. Douglas was captured, and Alexander fled south once more. This invasion did not have the support of the new English king, Richard III. It also failed to find any Scottish support in the areas Alexander and Douglas used to control.
Some historians suggest Alexander might have tried to return to Scotland again in 1485. There is a story that Alexander escaped from Edinburgh Castle, which is often mistakenly dated to earlier years. This escape might have happened in 1485. Alexander's close friend, James Liddale of Halkerston, was imprisoned and awaiting execution around this time. This suggests he might have returned to Scotland with Alexander. Also, a historical record says Alexander killed a royal official named "laird of Manerston," which might be true as Manerston died before October 14, 1485.
Alexander fled for the last time to France. He was killed shortly after in Paris during a duel with the Duke of Orléans. He was hit by a splinter from the Duke's lance. Alexander was buried near the main altar in the Couvent des Célestins. His titles of March and Dunbar were taken away and became part of the Scottish crown.
Family and Children
Alexander's first wife was Lady Katherine, daughter of William Sinclair, 3rd Earl of Orkney. They had three sons and a daughter. This marriage was ended in 1478, and their children were considered illegitimate. Their children included:
- Alexander Stewart (born before 1477, died December 9, 1537), who became the bishop of Moray. He had illegitimate children.
- Andrew Stewart.
In 1480, Alexander married Anne de la Tour d'Auvergne. She was the daughter of Bertrand VI, Count of Auvergne and Boulogne. They had a son, John (1482–1536). John later became the Duke of Albany and married Anne's niece, also named Anne de La Tour d'Auvergne.
