Duncan Campbell, 1st Lord Campbell facts for kids
Duncan Campbell, 1st Lord Campbell (also known as Donnchadh na-Adh, meaning "Duncan the Fortunate") was an important Scottish nobleman and leader. He lived in the first half of the 1400s and was a very powerful figure in Scotland. For 40 years, he was the head of the Clan Campbell, a large and influential family from Loch Awe. He also held a special job called Justiciar of Argyll, which meant he was a chief judge and administrator for that area.
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Who Was Duncan Campbell?
Duncan Campbell was born around 1390 in a place called Lochow in Argyll. His father was Colin Campbell of Lochawe, who was known as 'Colin the Wonderful' or 'Colin the Good Knight'. His mother was Mariota Campbell. She was important because she inherited lands in Ardscotnish and Glen Orchy.
Duncan might not have been the oldest son. There was talk of a brother named John who was passed over. However, Duncan was chosen to be the heir. By 1393, his father had given him the lands of Menstrie. When his father, Colin, passed away before 1414, Duncan officially became the leader of the Campbells of Loch Awe.
Duncan's Family Life
Duncan Campbell was married twice. His first wife was Marjorie Stewart. She was the daughter of Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany, a very powerful Scottish noble. Marjorie passed away before 1432. They had one son:
- Archibald Campbell, Master of Campbell (died 1440). He married Elizabeth Somerville. Their son was Colin Campbell, 2nd Lord Campbell (born around 1433, died 1493). Colin later became the first Earl of Argyll in 1457.
Duncan's second wife was Margaret Stewart of Ardgowan. She was the daughter of John Stewart, who was an illegitimate son of King Robert III of Scotland. Duncan and Margaret had several sons:
- Sir Colin Campbell of Glenurchy. He was born around 1406. He is the ancestor of the important Breadalbane family line.
- Neil Campbell of Ormidale. His descendants include the families of Ormidale and Ellengreig.
- Duncan Campbell of Auchinbreck. He started the Auchinbreck family line.
- Archibald Campbell. He was the ancestor of the old Otter family.
A Powerful Leader in Scotland
Because Duncan was very close to the Albany Stewart family, King James I of Scotland was a bit suspicious of him. At one point, King James even sent Duncan to England as a hostage. This was common back then to ensure loyalty or to guarantee payments. Duncan was called "Campbell of Argyll" in official papers. He was responsible for paying a large amount of money, 1500 merks, as part of the king's ransom. This was one of the biggest amounts among all the hostages.
Over time, Duncan and the king became more friendly. After King James I was assassinated, Duncan supported the Queen Dowager, Queen Joan.
During the time when King James II was still a child, Duncan said he supported the government that ruled for the young king. At the same time, he kept making his own power stronger in Argyll. He often gained land and influence, sometimes even from the Crown. Despite this, he was made a knight before 1440. In 1445, King James II made him a Lord of Parliament with the title Lord Campbell of Lochawe. This was a very high honor.
His Legacy and Final Resting Place
Duncan Campbell passed away sometime between February 1453 and May 1454. He was buried in the collegiate church at Kilmun. He and his second wife, Margaret Stewart, had helped to build this church in 1442. You can still see statues of them there today.
His grandson, Colin, who was the son of his first son Archibald, became the next Chief of the Clan Campbell.
Duncan's other sons also started important family lines. His son Colin, from his second marriage, founded the Campbell of Breadalbane family. His other sons, Archibald, Duncan, and Neil, started the Campbell families of Otter, Auchinbreck, and Ormidale.
