Archibald Douglas (died 1333) facts for kids

Sir Archibald Douglas (born before 1298 – died 19 July 1333) was an important Scottish nobleman and a strong military leader. He was also known as a "Guardian of Scotland," which meant he helped rule the country. Sir Archibald is sometimes called "Tyneman," which means "Loser" in old Scottish. However, this nickname might actually be for a different person, his great-nephew. He bravely fought and died during a big battle called the Battle of Halidon Hill.

Early Life of Archibald Douglas

Archibald Douglas was the younger son of Sir William "le Hardi" Douglas. His father was the Governor of Berwick-upon-Tweed castle. Archibald's mother was Eleanor de Lovaine. He was also the half-brother of the famous Sir James Douglas, who was a close friend and helper to King Robert the Bruce.

We first hear about Archibald Douglas in 1320. King Robert the Bruce gave him land in places like Morebattle and Kirkandrews. By 1324, he had even more land, including areas in Buchan and Kincardineshire. He also owned lands like Cavers, Drumlanrig, Terregles, and West Calder. Later in his life, he also controlled Liddesdale.

Archibald didn't appear much in history until 1327. He served under his older brother, James, during a military campaign in Weardale. During this time, his soldiers explored and took over much of the Bishopric of Durham area.

Scotland's Second War of Independence

After King Robert I died, and his half-brother James went on a crusade, Archibald Douglas became very important. He was made a "Guardian of the Kingdom." This meant he was one of the main leaders helping to guide Scotland. He was seen as a key advisor and took on a lot of his brother's influence.

During the Second War of Scottish Independence, Edward Balliol invaded Scotland. Edward Balliol was the son of a previous Scottish king, John Balliol. He had the support of Edward III of England, the King of England. Balliol's forces defeated the Scots at the Battle of Dupplin Moor.

Archibald Douglas served under Patrick V, Earl of Dunbar. Their army was supposed to defeat Balliol's smaller force. However, after another Scottish army was beaten, Dunbar chose to retreat. This allowed Edward Balliol to be crowned King at Scone. To please the English, Edward Balliol agreed to give the important town and castle of Berwick to England forever. But Douglas led a loyal Scottish force that defeated Balliol at the Battle of Annan. This forced Balliol to run back to England.

The Battle of Halidon Hill

King Edward III of England then came north with his own army. This showed that the peace treaty between England and Scotland was officially broken. Edward III's army began to attack Berwick-upon-Tweed. A temporary truce was made. It stated that if Berwick wasn't rescued by a certain time, its governor, Sir Alexander Seton, would surrender the castle to the English.

Archibald Douglas quickly gathered a Scottish army to help the people defending Berwick. He tried to trick the English by invading Northumberland. But the English didn't fall for the trick and stayed at Berwick. So, Douglas had to return.

On July 19, 1333, King Edward's army took strong positions on top of Halidon Hill. This hill was about a mile and a half north of Berwick and offered great views. Douglas's Scottish army was larger, but they had to attack uphill. The English archers, using their powerful longbows, shot many arrows. The Scottish soldiers were terribly defeated. This battle was similar to later famous battles like Crécy and Agincourt. The English won with very few losses. However, many Scottish soldiers, five Scottish Earls, and Guardian Douglas himself died. The very next day, Berwick surrendered to the English.

Archibald Douglas was succeeded by his son, William Douglas, 1st Earl of Douglas.

Sir Archibald's Family

Sir Archibald Douglas married Beatrice de Lindsay. She was the daughter of Sir Alexander de Lindsay. Archibald and Beatrice had three children:

• John Douglas (who died before 1342 while with David II of Scotland in France)
• William Douglas, 1st Earl of Douglas (who became an important leader)
• Eleanor Douglas (who married five times):
  • Alexander, Earl of Carrick, who was the son of Edward Bruce, King of Ireland. He died at the Battle of Halidon Hill in 1333.
  • Sir James de Sandilands, whose family later became the Lords of Torphichen.
  • Sir William Tours of Dalry.
  • Sir Duncan Wallace of Sundrum.
  • Sir Patrick Hepburn of Hailes, whose family later became the Earls of Bothwell.