James "Beag" Stewart facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James "Beag" Stewart
|
|
|---|---|
Arms of the Albany Stewarts
|
|
| Born |
James Stewart
c1424 Probably Scotland
|
| Died | c1470 |
| Occupation | Farmer |
| Spouse(s) | Annabel Buchanan, daughter of Patrick, 14th Laird of Buchanan |
| Children | John Stewart (born c 1450) Matilda Stewart (born c1452) William Stewart (born c 1455) Andrew Stewart (born c1458) Alexander Stewart (born c1460) Patrick Stewart (born c1462) |
| Parent(s) | James Mor Stewart Mother unknown |
James "Beag" Stewart (around 1424-1470) was an important figure in Scottish history. He was known as "Beag," which means "small" or "little" in Scottish Gaelic. James "Beag" was the son of James Mor Stewart, also called "James the Fat." His family faced tough times when his grandfather, Murdoch Stewart, was executed by King James I of Scotland in 1425.
After this, James "Beag"'s father had to leave Scotland and live in Ireland. However, James "Beag" was able to return to Scotland later. He received a special royal pardon from the king. He is an ancestor of the Stewarts of Ardvorlich, a family whose story is told in the famous book A Legend of Montrose by Sir Walter Scott.
Contents
Early Life of James "Beag" Stewart
James "Beag" Stewart's exact birth year is not known, but he was likely born in Scotland around 1424. He was the eldest son of James Mor Stewart, also known as "James the Fat."
Family Troubles with King James I
His father, James Mor Stewart, had a difficult relationship with King James I of Scotland. In 1425, James Mor's father, Murdoch Stewart, and two of his brothers were executed for treason. This meant they were accused of going against the king. Because of this, James Mor Stewart had to flee Scotland and live in Ireland.
James Mor never returned to Scotland and died in Ireland in 1429. The family's lands and titles were taken away by the king.
James "Beag"'s Siblings
James "Beag" grew up in a large family. He had several siblings, though some were born in Ireland after his father went into exile:
- Murdoch Stewart, born around 1427 in Ireland.
- Arthur Stewart, born around 1429 in Ireland.
- Robert Stewart, born around 1433 in Ireland.
- Matilda Stewart, born around 1435 in Ireland.
- Alexander Stewart, born around 1437 in Ireland.
Return to Scotland and Royal Pardon
Even though James "Beag" Stewart was not born in a marriage recognized by the church, he still had a connection to a powerful Scottish family. Unlike his father, James "Beag" did not try to claim the throne of Scotland. Instead, he worked to make peace with the king.
He eventually received a "royal pardon," which meant the king forgave him for any past family actions. This allowed him to return to Scotland. He became a loyal supporter of the Scottish crown.
The Story of the Hunting Lodge
James "Beag" Stewart had a small hunting lodge on an island in Loch Achray. This was a safe place he could go if there was trouble. A story from 1812 tells about an event that happened there.
A group of hunters from Argyleshire, who were part of the Clan Campbell, came to the king's forests. These forests were looked after by James "Beag." The Campbells hunted many deer without asking for permission.
After hunting, the Campbells met James "Beag" near his island lodge. They joked about the "magpie" who built a nest on the island, referring to James "Beag." They said they would return to "hawk" around his nest, meaning they would challenge him.
James "Beag" replied that his "magpie" could call on other "hawks" from the mountains to protect their home. When the Campbells returned, James "Beag" had gathered his people. They met the Argyleshire party in a fierce way, and few of the Campbells returned home. This story shows James "Beag"'s determination to protect his lands.
Family Life
James Stewart married Annabel Buchanan. She was the daughter of Patrick, the 14th Laird of Buchanan. In 1457, James "Beag" was given the estate of Baldorran in Stirlingshire by his cousin.
James and Annabel had six children:
- John Stewart, born around 1450. He died when he was a child.
- Matilda Stewart, born around 1452.
- William Stewart, born around 1455. He became a "Baillie" (a type of local official) for the Crown Lands of Balquhidder around 1504. Many Stewart families, including the Stewarts of Ardvorlich, are descended from him.
- Andrew Stewart, born around 1458. He was the first Laird of Gartnafuaran.
- Alexander Stewart, born around 1460. He was the first Laird of Garroquhill.
- Patrick Stewart, born around 1462. He was of Ardkinknockane in Strathgartney.
See also
