Andrew Stewart, 1st Lord Avandale facts for kids
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Andrew Stewart (born around 1420, died 1488) was a very important person in Scotland. He served as the Lord Chancellor of Scotland from 1460 to 1482. This was like being the King's chief advisor and head of the government. He was a key helper for King James III of Scotland.
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Early Life and Family
Andrew Stewart was born about 1420. He was the oldest son of Walter Stewart. His grandfather, Murdoch Stewart, Duke of Albany, was executed in 1425. This happened because King James I of Scotland accused him of being disloyal.
Andrew and his brothers were raised by their grandmother, Isabella, Countess of Lennox. She may have felt sorry for them, as her own family had faced hard times. Andrew went to a university in England. He became a knight there before 1437.
Returning to Scotland
Andrew Stewart came back to Scotland by 1440. He started working for King James II of Scotland. The King gave him lands, including Avandale and Strathavon. These lands had been taken from another powerful noble.
Andrew also became a warden, protecting the border areas. He was also in charge of Lochmaben Castle. By 1457, he was given the important title of Lord Avandale.
Becoming Lord Chancellor
In 1460, Lord Avandale became the Lord Chancellor of Scotland. He kept this job even when King James II died. He helped rule Scotland when King James III of Scotland was still a child.
He also became the governor of Stirling Castle. Lord Avandale was a skilled diplomat. He helped arrange the marriage of King James III to Margaret of Denmark in 1469. This marriage was very important for Scotland.
Later Years and Challenges
In 1482, there was a big problem in Scotland. King James III's brother, Alexander Stewart, Duke of Albany, rebelled against the King. Albany got help from England. When Albany and his English allies invaded Scotland, Lord Avandale was part of a group of nobles who arrested the King.
Albany then tried to become King himself. But he made many powerful nobles angry. Lord Avandale was removed from his job as Chancellor. This happened because he had captured Albany's castle of Dumbarton for the King earlier.
However, King James III soon got back the support of most nobles. In 1483, Albany was declared a traitor and had to leave Scotland for good. Lord Avandale was there for this important event. The next year, he was sent as an ambassador to France. After this, he mostly stopped working in public life. He died in 1488.
