James Stewart, 5th High Steward of Scotland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Stewart
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| 5th High Steward of Scotland | |
Coat of arms of the High Stewart of Scotland: Or, a fess chequy argent and azure
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| Born | c. 1260 |
| Died | 16 July 1309 |
| Noble family | Stewart |
| Father | Alexander Stewart, 4th High Steward of Scotland |
James Stewart (born around 1260, died July 16, 1309) was an important Scottish leader. He held the title of the 5th High Steward of Scotland, which was a very important job passed down through his family. He also served as a Guardian of Scotland, helping to rule the country when there was no king.
Early Life and Family
James Stewart was the oldest son of Alexander Stewart, 4th High Steward of Scotland. Historians believe he was born around 1260. His name, James, was not common in his family. It might have been chosen because his father planned a trip to a holy place dedicated to Saint James of Compostella. This birth year also fits with descriptions of his son, Walter Stewart, 6th High Steward of Scotland, who was called a "beardless lad" (meaning young) around 1314.
A Leader for Scotland
In 1286, James was chosen as one of the six Guardians of Scotland. These Guardians were like temporary rulers, guiding the country when there was no king.
Later, during the Wars of Scottish Independence, Scotland faced many challenges from King Edward I of England. James Stewart had to promise loyalty to King Edward in 1297. He also helped to decide who should be the next king of Scotland, supporting Robert Bruce, 5th Lord of Annandale.
However, James Stewart soon joined forces with Sir William Wallace, a famous Scottish hero. After Wallace's defeat at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298, James gave his support to Robert the Bruce, who later became King Robert I of Scotland.
In 1302, James Stewart was one of the ambassadors sent to France. Their mission was to ask the French king for help against King Edward I.
After England won a major victory against Scotland, James Stewart was forced to promise loyalty to King Edward again in 1306. To make this promise extra strong, he swore on holy items. However, James believed his loyalty to Scotland was more important. He soon rejoined the fight for Scotland's freedom and continued to serve Robert the Bruce until he died in 1309.
Family and Descendants
James Stewart was married several times:
- His first wife was Cecilia, a daughter of Patrick III, Earl of Dunbar.
- He also married Muriel, a daughter of Malise, 5th Earl of Strathearn.
- His third wife was Egidia, a daughter of an Irish nobleman named Walter de Burgh, 1st Earl of Ulster. With Egidia, he had:
- Walter Stewart, 6th High Steward of Scotland (1293–1327): He was James's oldest son and heir. Walter married Marjorie Bruce, who was the daughter of King Robert I. Their son became King Robert II of Scotland, the very first king from the Stewart family.
- Egidia Stewart: She married Sir Alexander de Menzies.
James also had other children, but it is not certain who their mothers were:
- Sir John Stewart: He was killed in battle in 1318 at the Battle of Dundalk.
- Sir Andrew Stewart: He was a younger son who married the daughter of James Bethe.
- Sir James Stewart of Durisdeer: In 1327, he helped to guide his nephew, who would later become King Robert II of Scotland.
