Archibald I, Lord of Douglas facts for kids
Archibald of Douglas was an important Scottish nobleman who lived a long time ago, from before 1198 until around 1238. He was the son of William of Douglas.
Life of Archibald Douglas
Archibald of Douglas first appears in historical records before the year 1198. His name is found in an old document called a charter. This charter was from Jocelin, who was the Bishop of Glasgow. It gave land rights in Glasgow to a place called Melrose Abbey. Archibald's name was listed with other important people like Alan, the High Steward of Scotland.
Around the same time, before 1198, Archibald was mentioned in another document. In this one, he gave up some land he held at Hailes to Robert of Restalrig. This land was originally from the Abbey of Dunfermline.
Between 1214 and 1226, Archibald gained control of lands in Hermiston and Livingston. He held these lands under Maol Choluim I, who was the Earl of Fife. The Earl was like his main landlord or boss in this arrangement.
Archibald of Douglas became a knight before 1226. He is called 'Dominus de Douglas' in another charter from Melrose Abbey. This means 'Lord of Douglas'. He witnessed William Purves of Mospennoc giving rights to the monks of Melrose Abbey to cross his lands. Another witness was Andrew, who was Archibald's own knight. This shows that Archibald was an influential person.
After 1226, Archibald de Douglas signed several royal charters, which are official documents from the king. He also spent a lot of time in Moray, a region in Scotland. This is known from documents written by his brother, Bricius de Douglas, who was a bishop there.
In 1238, Archibald was with King Alexander II of Scotland in Selkirk. At this time, the title of Earl of Lennox was given back to Maol Domhnaich of Lennox. Archibald of Douglas is not found in historical records after 1239. It is believed that he passed away around that time.
Family and Children
Archibald of Douglas is believed to have married a woman named Margaret. She was the daughter of Sir John Crawford of Crawfordjohn. Archibald and Margaret had two known children:
- William of Douglas (born around 1220, died around 1274)
- Andrew Douglas of Hermiston, who was the ancestor of the Lords of Dalkeith and the Earls of Morton, as well as the Lords of Mains.
