John Stewart, 1st Earl of Angus facts for kids
John Stewart, 1st Earl of Angus (died 9 December 1331) was an important Scottish nobleman in the Middle Ages. He was also known as the Lord of Bonkyl. He became the Lord of Abernethy because of his marriage, which is called jure uxoris in Latin.
John Stewart was the son of Sir Alexander Stewart of Bonkyll. His great-grandfather was Alexander Stewart, who was the 4th High Steward of Scotland. His mother was Jean Fitz James. When his father, Sir Alexander, passed away around 1319, John inherited his family's lands. These lands were in Berwickshire, Scotland. The main areas he inherited were Bonkyll and Preston.
Becoming the Earl of Angus
In 1328, John Stewart married Margaret de Abernethy. She was the only child of Sir Alexander de Abernethy. This meant Margaret was the heir to the Lordship of Abernethy. Her father was the last of the old Gaelic lords of Abernethy. Through this marriage, John Stewart gained his wife's titles.
In 1329, King Robert I made John Stewart an Earl. He became the Earl of Angus. The title of Earl of Angus had been taken away from the previous holder, Robert de Umfreville. This happened before 1314 because he had supported the losing side during the Wars of Scottish Independence.
Later Life and Legacy
John Stewart was made a knight on 24 November 1331. This happened during the crowning ceremony of King David II. Sadly, he passed away just two weeks later. His son, Thomas Stewart, 2nd Earl of Angus, took over his titles and lands.
John Stewart's granddaughter, Margaret, later had a son named George Douglas. Through George, the Earldom of Angus and the Lordship of Abernethy passed to the Douglas family. This connection between the Douglas family and the Stewart royal family became very important in Scottish history.
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