James Stewart, the Black Knight of Lorn facts for kids

James Stewart, also known as the Black Knight of Lorne, was a powerful Scottish nobleman. He lived from around 1399 to about 1451.

Early Life of James Stewart

James Stewart was born in a place called Innermeath, Scotland. His father, Sir John Stewart, was an important person. He even served as Scotland's Ambassador to England. James came from a very old and important family. His ancestors included Alexander Stewart, a high-ranking official in Scotland. His family also had ties to King Robert I, known as Robert the Bruce. Robert the Bruce was a famous Scottish king.

James Stewart's Role in Scottish Politics

James Stewart was the younger brother of Robert Stewart, the first Lord Lorne. James was a strong supporter of the Black Douglases. This was a very powerful family in Scotland.

After King James I of Scotland was murdered in 1437, his young son, James II, became king. King James II was only seven years old. So, Archibald Douglas, the 5th Earl of Douglas, ruled Scotland as a regent. A regent is someone who governs for a king or queen who is too young or unable to rule.

The Stewart family of Lorne were close allies of the Douglas family. Because of this, their power grew a lot while the Douglases were in charge. However, Archibald Douglas died suddenly in 1439. After his death, power was shared between William, 1st Lord Crichton, and Sir Alexander Livingston. This made the political situation in Scotland very tense.

Marriage to the Queen and Conflict

James Stewart married Joan Beaufort. She was the queen and the mother of the young King James II. This made James Stewart the king's stepfather.

Stewart and his Douglas allies wanted to take control of King James II. At the time, the king was being held by Livingston at Stirling Castle. But Livingston found out about their plan. On August 3, 1439, Livingston arrested Queen Joan. He put her in Stirling Castle. James Stewart and his brother, Sir William, were also arrested. They were thrown into the castle's dungeon. Later, they were released.

James Stewart traveled to England several times. He went in 1445, 1447, and 1451. It was thought that he was captured by pirates from Flanders and killed after 1451. But he was still alive in 1453 or 1454. At that time, he carried a message from King James II. The message was an offer to help Edmund Beaufort, Duke of Somerset. Somerset was a prisoner in the Tower of London.

James Stewart's Family

Before September 21, 1439, James Stewart married Joan Beaufort. She was the Queen Consort of Scotland. She was also the widow of King James I. They received special permission to marry. This was because they were related to each other.

Joan Beaufort was the daughter of John Beaufort, 1st Earl of Somerset. Her grandfather was Edward III of England.

James Stewart and Joan Beaufort had three children:

• John Stewart, 1st Earl of Atholl
• James Stewart, Earl of Buchan, who passed away in 1499. He married Margaret Ogilvy on March 27, 1459.
• Andrew Stewart, who lived from about 1443 to 1501. He became the Bishop of Moray from 1483 to 1501.