Isabella, Countess of Lennox facts for kids
Isabella of Lennox (who passed away in 1458) was an important leader in Lennox. She ruled this area from 1437 until 1458. She was the last in a long line of local Scottish rulers called Mormaers. Isabella was also the wife of Murdoch Stewart, 2nd Duke of Albany (who died in 1425). This made her the Duchess of Albany from 1420 to 1425.
However, in 1425, her family faced a terrible time. Her husband, father, and two sons were punished by King James I of Scotland. They were involved in a conflict with the King. Only one son, James the Fat, managed to escape. He later died while living away from Scotland in Ireland. Isabella herself avoided this harsh fate. She eventually got her title and lands back. She then went to live in her castle near Loch Lomond. There, she raised her grandchildren. Isabella even lived long enough to see King James, her family's opponent, pass away. Although none of her four sons outlived her, her grandson Andrew Stewart, 1st Lord Avandale later became a very important person. He rose to be the Lord Chancellor of Scotland.
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Isabella's Early Life
Isabella was the daughter of Donnchadh, Earl of Lennox. Her mother was Helena, the daughter of Sir Archibald Campbell. Isabella's father, Duncan, wanted to create strong connections. He aimed to link his family with the powerful Robert Stewart, 1st Duke of Albany. Robert was the second son of King Robert II of Scotland. He was a very influential person in Scotland at the time. In 1392, Duncan agreed that Isabella would marry Robert's son, Murdoch Stewart.
Murdoch and Isabella did marry. They had at least five children together:
- Robert (who died in 1421)
- Walter (who died in 1425)
- Alasdair (who died in 1425)
- James (also known as Seamas Mòr, who died in 1429)
- Isabel, who married Sir Walter Buchanan. He was the 13th Laird of Buchanan.
A Difficult Time in 1425
A great challenge came upon Isabella's family in 1425. Her husband, father, and sons Walter and Alasdair faced serious charges. This happened after her other son, James the Fat, led a rebellion against the King. James marched on Dumbarton, burned parts of it, and killed the castle's keeper. This keeper was Sir John Stewart of Dundonald, the King's uncle.
Because of these events, a group of 21 knights and nobles found her husband and two sons guilty. They were punished severely. James the Fat escaped the King's justice in 1425. He fled to Antrim, Ireland. He lived the rest of his life there, away from Scotland. Isabella and her daughter survived this difficult period. However, Isabella was held by the King for eight years. She stayed at Tantallon Castle. James died in 1429. Some records say he died in 1449, but 1429 is the more common date.
The King's Passing
Isabella lived to see King James I of Scotland pass away. He was killed in February 1437. This happened during an attempt by his relative, Walter Stewart, Earl of Atholl, to take power. Walter Stewart had been on the group that decided her husband's fate. He also faced a harsh end soon after. He and others who acted against the King were punished. They were put to death in Edinburgh for their actions.
Isabella Regains Her Lands
Soon after these events, in 1437, Isabella was set free. She got her lands and title back. In the years that followed, she ruled her area from her castle at Inchmurrin, Loch Lomond. She was very active in her role. She issued many official documents and was well-liked by the people. King James II of Scotland also accepted her rule. After she regained her freedom, Isabella brought her young grandchildren to live with her. She raised them at her castle in Inchmurrin.
A writer named Mark Napier described Isabella in 1835. He said she was:
- "reserved and lofty in her demeanor, possessing a strong mind, a calm and indomitable spirit; and no lady of ancient or modern times ever stood more in need of such attributes to sustain her under sudden and violent calamities".
Isabella's Legacy
Isabella passed away in 1458. She had outlived her opponents. With her death, the oldest continuous Gaelic leadership in Lennox came to an end.
None of Isabella's four sons lived longer than her. However, her grandchildren did survive. One of them was Andrew Stewart, 1st Lord Avondale. He was the son of Walter Stewart and was born in Antrim, Ireland. He became Lord of Avondale in 1459. In the same year, he also became the Lord Chancellor of Scotland. This made him one of the most important helpers to King James III of Scotland. He held the position of Chancellor for 25 years. He passed away in 1488.
Images for kids
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Tantallon Castle, where Isabella of Lennox was imprisoned for 8 years by King James I
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Inchmurrin, Loch Lomond, where Isabella retired after her release from Tantallon Castle.
