George Douglas, Master of Angus facts for kids

George Douglas, Master of Angus (born 1469 – died September 9, 1513) was an important Scottish nobleman. He was the son of Archibald Douglas, 5th Earl of Angus and Elizabeth Boyd. George was born at Tantallon Castle and sadly died in the famous Battle of Flodden.

Becoming the Master of Angus

In 1489, George's father, the 5th Earl of Angus, gave up his control over several lands to the king. These lands included places like Tantallon, Douglasdale, and Eskdale. King James III then gave a new official document, called a charter, to George. This charter made George the new owner of these lands.

George was present at the last meeting of Parliament held by King James III. This was just before the king died in the Battle of Sauchieburn. We don't know which side George supported during this time. He attended Parliament again in 1490, after James IV became the new king.

Taking on Responsibilities

George didn't get involved in public duties until 1499. That's when he officially took charge of his lands in Eskdale and Ewesdale. These areas were known for being wild and having many outlaws. Because of this, King James IV made George the "warden" of Eskdale. A warden was like a sheriff, in charge of keeping the peace.

As warden, George met with the English warden, Lord Dacre, at Canonbie. They would listen to complaints from people and decide on punishments.

Challenges and New Lands

George wasn't always the best at bringing law and order to his lands. He was sometimes too easy on his own tenants (people who rented land from him). Because of this, the King removed him from his warden job in 1506. The King then gave the job to Alexander Home, 3rd Lord Home.

However, George did gain more land later. In 1510, he received the Barony of Crawford-Lindsay. In the same year, his father also gave him control of other family estates, including Kirriemuir and Abernethy.

Death at Flodden Field

In August 1513, George, his father, and his younger brother, Sir William Douglas of Glenbervie, rode out to join the Scottish army. They led a large group of their family and supporters. They met the rest of the army near Duns. This was the biggest and most modern army Scotland had ever put together.

The Scottish army, led by King James IV, marched into England. They eventually met the English army, led by the Earl of Surrey, at Flodden Edge.

Before the battle, George's father, the Earl of Angus, felt that King James IV ignored his advice. So, he left the battlefield and went back to Scotland. This left George and his brother in charge of the Douglas soldiers.

We don't know much more about George's actions in the battle. But a story was told by David Hume of Godscroft. It describes King James IV's last moments. When the English broke through the Scottish left side, King James got off his horse. He prepared to fight on foot with his soldiers.

The King saw George still on his horse and supposedly asked him if it was normal for his family to stay mounted while their king fought on foot. George is said to have replied by asking if it was normal for the King of Scots to wear his armor and royal symbols while fighting on foot. This made the King angry, and he replied that he dared to fight on his feet without armor or royal symbols.

The English soldiers then attacked the Scottish center. King James IV was found dead very close to the Earl of Surrey. Whether this story is true or not, George Douglas, Master of Angus, was as brave as the King. George's body was found among the many Scottish nobles who died that day. These included twelve Earls and seventeen Lords. It is said that over 200 men named Douglas also died in the battle.

Marriage and Family

In 1485, George was supposed to marry Margaret, the daughter of Laurence Oliphant, 1st Lord Oliphant. However, this marriage didn't happen. Instead, George married Elizabeth Drummond in 1488. She was the daughter of John Drummond, 1st Lord Drummond.

Years later, it was discovered that George and Elizabeth were related too closely. This was against the rules of their time. So, George asked the Pope for special permission, called a Papal dispensation, to stay married. He successfully received this permission in 1495.

Children

George and Elizabeth Drummond had three sons and four daughters:

• Archibald Douglas, 6th Earl of Angus
• Sir George Douglas of Pittendreich
• William Douglas, who became a religious leader (Prior of Coldingham and Abbot of Holyrood)
• Elizabeth Douglas, who married John Hay, 3rd Lord Yester
• Alison Douglas, who married Robert Blackadder and then David Home of Wedderburn
• Janet Douglas (1498-1537)
• Margaret Douglas, who married James Douglas of Drumlanrig