Hugh Douglas, Earl of Ormonde facts for kids
Hugh Douglas, Earl of Ormonde (who died in 1455) was a brave Scottish soldier and an important nobleman. He was part of the powerful Black Douglas family, one of the most influential families in Scotland at the time.
Hugh was the fourth son of James the Gross, 7th Earl of Douglas. His brothers included William Douglas, 8th Earl of Douglas, James Douglas, 9th Earl of Douglas, Archibald Douglas, Earl of Moray, and John Douglas, Lord of Balvenie.
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Becoming the Earl of Ormonde
Hugh became the Earl of Ormonde before 1445. This was a special title that gave him land and power. He even attended a meeting of the Parliament of Scotland (like a country's main council) under this title. His older brother, the 8th Earl, gave him many lands across Scotland, including areas in Aberdeenshire, Lanarkshire, and Invernesshire.
A Brave Leader in Battle
Hugh Douglas was a skilled military leader. He led the Scottish forces to a big victory at the Battle of Sark. In this battle, they fought against Henry Percy, 2nd Earl of Northumberland, whose family had been rivals of the Douglases for a long time.
In 1450, when his brother, the 8th Earl, traveled to Rome, Hugh was put in charge of the huge Douglas family lands. This showed how much his family trusted him.
Conflict with the King
Later, a very serious event happened. The King of Scotland, James II, killed Hugh's eldest brother, the 8th Earl of Douglas. This made Hugh and his other brothers very angry. They decided to stop supporting the king and started a rebellion against him.
The brothers, except for the new 9th Earl, faced the king's army at the Battle of Arkinholm. The royal army was led by a relative, George Douglas, 4th Earl of Angus. Sadly, the Black Douglas brothers were defeated. Hugh's brother, Archibald, the Earl of Moray, died from his injuries. Another brother, John, managed to escape. However, Hugh Douglas, the Earl of Ormonde, was captured. He was put on trial and then executed. All his lands and titles were taken away by the king.
Family Life
Hugh Douglas had one child with his wife, whose name is not known. His son, also named Hugh Douglas, later became the Dean of Brechin Cathedral, an important religious position.
Images for kids
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Arms of Hugh, Earl of Ormonde prior to 1445
