James Douglas, 7th Earl of Douglas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Douglas
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| Earl of Douglas | |
Tomb of James the Gross and his wife Beatrice Sinclair
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| Predecessor | William Douglas, 6th Earl of Douglas |
| Successor | William Douglas, 8th Earl of Douglas |
| Born | 1371 Scotland |
| Died | 24 March 1443 Abercorn Castle |
| Buried | St Bride's Kirk, Douglas, South Lanarkshire |
| Noble family | Douglas |
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| Father | Archibald the Grim |
| Mother | Joanna de Moravia |
James Douglas, 7th Earl of Douglas, 1st Earl of Avondale (born 1371 – died 24 March 1443) was an important Scottish nobleman in the late Middle Ages. He was also known as James the Gross because of his size. Before he became an Earl, people called him James of Balvenie. He was the second son of Archibald Douglas, 3rd Earl of Douglas, and Joan Moray.
Contents
Becoming a Leader of the Douglas Family
James's journey to becoming a powerful figure began after a big battle in September 1402. His older brother, Archibald Douglas, 4th Earl of Douglas, was captured by the English at the Battle of Homildon Hill. This meant James had to step up and lead the main part of the strong Clan Douglas family.
He worked hard to keep the Douglas family's power strong in southern Scotland. His efforts were successful until his older brother returned in 1409. After his brother came back, James became an important advisor. He was given many lands as a reward. The most important of these was Abercorn Castle, which became his main home for the rest of his life.
Working with the Scottish Kings
In the early 1420s, James helped connect his brother, the Earl, with Murdoch Stewart, Duke of Albany. Murdoch was acting as a regent (a temporary ruler) for James I of Scotland. King James was being held by the English at the time.
When King James returned to Scotland in 1424, James Douglas became one of his trusted advisors. He even helped decide the fate of Murdoch Stewart and his sons. In 1426, King James rewarded Douglas for his loyalty. He officially confirmed that Douglas owned his lands. James's oldest son, William, was made a knight in 1430.
By 1435, James was made the sheriff of Lanarkshire. This job made him even more important among the king's main supporters. Having the support of the powerful Douglas family was very important for the king. It helped prevent conflicts with other strong groups. Shortly before King James I died in 1437, he gave James Douglas the special title of Earl of Avondale.
Becoming the Earl of Douglas
After King James I was killed in 1437, James Douglas supported his nephew. His nephew became the Lieutenant General of Scotland and a regent for the young James II of Scotland.
In 1439, his nephew, the 5th Earl, sadly died from a fever. This led to a difficult time where power was shared between Sir William Crichton, Sir Alexander Livingston of Callendar, and James Douglas himself.
These events led to a famous and sad event known as the 'Black Dinner' at Edinburgh Castle. During this event, his great-nephew William Douglas, 6th Earl of Douglas, who was 16, and his younger brother David were accused of crimes and executed. This happened even though young King James II protested. Many historians believe that Crichton, Livingston, and especially James Douglas were responsible for the Black Dinner. This is because the deaths of his great-nephews made James Douglas the Earl of Douglas and the most powerful nobleman in Scotland.
Family Life
James Douglas married twice. His first wife was Beatrice Stewart, who was the daughter of Robert Stewart, 1st Duke of Albany.
His second wife was Beatrice Sinclair, daughter of Henry Sinclair, 2nd Earl of Orkney. They married around 1425.
James and Beatrice had several children:
- Beatrice Douglas, who married William Hay, 1st Earl of Erroll.
- William Douglas, 8th Earl of Douglas (1425–1452), who took over his father's title.
- James Douglas, 9th Earl of Douglas (1426–1491), who became Earl after his older brother.
- Archibald Douglas, Earl of Moray (1426–1455), who was James's twin.
- Hugh Douglas, Earl of Ormonde (died 1455).
- John Douglas, Lord of Balvenie.
- Janet Douglas, who had a child with Constantine Dunlop and later married Robert Fleming, 1st Lord Fleming.
- Margaret Douglas, who married Henry Douglas of Borg.
| Peerage of Scotland | ||
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| Preceded by William Douglas |
 Earl of Douglas 1440–1443 |
Succeeded by William Douglas |
| New creation | Earl of Avondale 1437–1443 |
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