Alexander Stewart, Earl of Mar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alexander Stewart
Alasdair mac Alasdair Mór |
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| Earl of Mar, and Lord of Garioch, Lochaber and Badenoch | |
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| Reign | Mar and Garioch: 1404/8–35 Lochaber: 1424–35 Badenoch: 1427–35 |
| Predecessor | Isabel Douglas, Countess of Mar* *obtained lordship of Mar by this marriage. |
| Successor | Robert Erskine, 1st Lord Erskine, de jure 13th Earl of Mar |
| Born | c. 1375 |
| Died | July/August 1435 Mar |
| Buried | Blackfriars, Inverness |
| Noble family | Badenoch Stewart |
| Issue | Thomas Stewart (bastard) |
| Father | Alexander Stewart, Earl of Buchan |
| Mother | Mairead inghean Eachainn |
Alexander Stewart (around 1375–1435) was an important Scottish nobleman. He became the Earl of Mar in 1404. He gained this title through his marriage to the Countess of Mar. He was known for successfully ruling the northern part of Scotland.
Contents
Life of Alexander Stewart
Alexander Stewart was the son of Alexander Stewart, Earl of Buchan. His father was also known as the "Wolf of Badenoch." His mother was likely Mairead inghean Eachainn.
Becoming the Earl of Mar
Alexander gained the Earldom of Mar and the Lordship of Garioch in 1404. He got these titles through his first wife, Isabel Douglas, Countess of Mar. This means he held them "by right of his wife."
His marriage to Isabel was quite controversial. It happened after he took control of Kildrummy Castle in 1404. Isabel then agreed to marry him. She also agreed to grant him the earldom for his lifetime. King Robert III later confirmed this agreement in 1405. These events caused a stir in the kingdom. However, Alexander was closely related to the Royal Family, so he avoided punishment. His right to the Earldom was officially confirmed again in 1424. This was done by his cousin, King James I.
Supporting the Royal Family
Alexander was a strong supporter of his uncle, Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany. His uncle was the ruler of the kingdom at the time. He was acting as regent for his brother, King Robert III. King Robert had been badly injured.
Alexander led an army at the important Battle of Harlaw in 1411. This battle was against Domhnall of Islay, Lord of the Isles. Domhnall was fighting to claim the Earldom of Ross. Alexander's army represented the north-east and eastern Highlands.
Ruling the North
Unlike his father, the "Wolf of Badenoch," Alexander Stewart brought peace to the north-east. A historian named Walter Bower said Alexander "ruled with acceptance nearly all of the north of the country."
Alexander achieved this by keeping his forces under control. He used them to protect his large lands when needed. This helped keep areas like Aberdeenshire and Moray stable.
In 1424, Alexander was part of a group of nobles. They decided the fate of his cousin, Murdoch Stewart, Duke of Albany. Murdoch and two of his sons were found guilty of treason. This led to their execution.
Family Life
Alexander's first marriage was to Isabel Douglas, Countess of Mar. She passed away in 1408. As mentioned, he gained his title through this marriage.
Later, in 1410, Alexander married Marie van Hoorn. She was the daughter of Willem, Lord of Duffel.
Alexander did not have any legitimate sons who could inherit his title. Because of this, the Earldom of Mar went back to the crown when he died.
Children
Alexander had two children outside of marriage:
- Thomas: He married Elizabeth. She was the widow of John Stewart, 2nd Earl of Buchan.
- Margaret: She married Lachlan Maclean of Duart.
Images for kids
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An effigy believed to be Alexander Stewart, Earl of Mar.
