Alexander of Argyll facts for kids
Alexander of Argyll, also known as Alexander of Lorne or Alexander MacDougall (Scottish Gaelic: Alasdair MacDubhgaill), was a powerful Scottish noble. He lived in the late 1200s and early 1300s. Alexander was the leader of the Clan MacDougall. He played a big part in Scottish history during a time of great change.
Alexander was the son of Ewen MacDougall, the Lord of Argyll. After his father died in 1268, Alexander became the new Lord of Argyll and Lorne. He also became the chief of the MacDougall family. He was likely named after King Alexander III of Scotland. In 1275, Alexander helped the Scottish king. He joined an expedition to stop a rebellion on the Isle of Man. In 1284, he agreed with other Scottish nobles. They accepted Margaret of Norway as the next heir to the throne.
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Scotland's Future
Choosing a New King
After King Alexander III died in 1286, Scotland faced a big problem. There was no clear ruler. His granddaughter, Margaret, Maid of Norway, also died in 1290. This led to a major argument over who should be the next king. This event is known as the Great Cause.
Alexander of Argyll was a strong supporter of the House of Balliol. He was married to the sister of John II Comyn, Lord of Badenoch. The Comyns were important allies of the Balliols. The Balliols were competing against the House of Bruce for the throne. Alexander helped John de Balliol during the Great Cause. After John Balliol became king, Alexander was a key helper. He helped King John set up new areas of rule in the west.
Battles and Changes
The friendship between the MacDougalls and the Balliols caused problems. It led to an alliance between the MacDougalls' rivals, Alexander Óg MacDonald, and the Bruces. In 1296, Alexander was captured by English forces. This happened during the Battle of Dunbar. He was held in Berwick Castle until 1297.
After King John Balliol was removed from power in 1296, Alexander opposed Edward I of England. This was part of the First War of Scottish Independence. In 1299, Alexander MacDougall killed Alexander Og.
Later Years
New Alliances
Alexander later made peace with King Edward I of England. In 1305, he became a member of the King's Scottish council. In 1306, John III Comyn, Lord of Badenoch, a relative of Alexander, was murdered. This was done by Robert de Brus, who later became King Robert I. This event made Alexander strongly against Robert Bruce.
Robert Bruce was crowned King of Scots at Scone later that year. From 1307 to 1308, King Robert attacked the MacDougall and Comyn lands. Alexander's main castle, Dunstaffnage Castle, was captured by Bruce's forces in 1308. After this, Alexander made peace with King Robert.
Final Days
Alexander attended a parliament meeting in St Andrews in 1309. However, by 1310, Alexander and his son had gone to England. They joined the service of King Edward II of England. Alexander died in 1310. He may have died while serving the English king in Ireland.
Family
Alexander's only known wife was a daughter of John I Comyn, Lord of Badenoch. They had several children, including:
- John of Argyll, who became his successor
- Donnchadh
- Christiana, who married Maol Mhuire Lamont
Alexander Og's wife, Juliana, might have been Alexander's daughter or sister. Another of Alexander's daughters, whose name is not known, married Lachlann Mac Ruaidhrí. He was the son of Ailéan mac Ruaidhrí. Alexander also had several other sons.
