Janet Douglas, Lady Glamis facts for kids

Janet Douglas, Lady Glamis (born around 1498 – died July 17, 1537), was a Scottish noblewoman. She lived during the time of James V of Scotland. Janet was accused of trying to harm the King. This led to her death. King James V had a strong dislike for the Douglas family. This was because of how his stepfather, Archibald Douglas, treated him.

Janet Douglas and King James V

King James V of Scotland did not like the Douglas family at all. Janet's brother, Archibald Douglas, 6th Earl of Angus, was the King's stepfather. This stepfather had kept the young King James almost like a prisoner. James's strong dislike for Archibald extended to his entire family, including Janet.

After King James broke free from the Douglas family in December 1528, Janet was called to court. She was accused of helping supporters of the Earl of Angus come to Edinburgh. However, in 1529, King James called her "our lovittis Dame Jonat Douglas." He allowed her to go on a special journey and be free from legal problems for a time.

Some historians believe Janet might not have gone on that journey. She faced several legal actions. One serious charge was that she poisoned her first husband, John Lyon, 6th Lord Glamis. He had died in 1528. This specific case was later dropped. Janet was then free to marry her second husband, Archibald Campbell of Skipness, by 1532.

However, on July 17, 1537, Janet was found guilty. The charges were that she planned to poison the King. She was also accused of communicating with her brothers, the Earl of Angus and George Douglas.

Some stories say King James accused Janet of witchcraft. But there is no official record of this. Historians say this idea is a myth. Janet was held in a dungeon at Edinburgh Castle with her husband. Her husband managed to escape but was later killed.

It was easy for King James to imprison Janet. But it was harder to prove her guilt. To get information, King James questioned Janet's family and servants. Janet was found guilty and faced a harsh punishment near Edinburgh Castle. Her young son was made to watch this sad event.

Janet's Family Life

Janet Douglas was the daughter of George Douglas, Master of Angus. Her mother was Elizabeth Drummond. Elizabeth was the daughter of John Drummond, 1st Lord Drummond.

Janet first married John Lyon, 6th Lord Glamis (1492–1528). They had several children:

• John Lyon, 7th Lord Glamis
• George Lyon
• Margaret Lyon
• Elizabeth Lyon, who married four times. Her husbands were John Forbes, Master of Forbes, Thomas Craig of Balnely, John Tulloch of Montcoffer, and John Abernethy.

Janet, Lady Glamis, later married Archibald Campbell of Skipnish. He was the second son of Archibald Campbell, 2nd Earl of Argyll. They had one child:

• John Campbell, of Skipness, Provost of Kilmun