John Stewart (knight, died 1298) facts for kids
Sir John Stewart (died 22 July 1298) was a brave Scottish knight and a leader in the army during the First Scottish War of Independence. This was a big fight for Scotland's freedom from England. Sir John was the brother of Sir James, the 5th High Steward of Scotland. The High Steward was a very important job, like a chief manager for the king.
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Who Was Sir John Stewart?
Sir John was the second son of Alexander Stewart, who was the 4th High Steward of Scotland. His family was very important in Scotland. He was also the uncle of a famous Scottish hero, James Douglas, often called "The Black Douglas."
Sir John's Shield
Sir John Stewart had a special design on his shield, which was like a family symbol. The main part of his family's shield had a pattern of squares, like a checkerboard. But Sir John added something unique: a red diagonal stripe across it. This stripe made his shield different from the shields of his father and brother. It helped people know it was him on the battlefield.
How People Knew Him
Even though some people later called Sir John "of Bonkyll" because his family line became known as the "Stewarts of Bonkyll," he wasn't called that during his own lifetime. Back then, people usually knew him as "the brother of James the Steward of Scotland." He was also known as a brave knight and one of the important leaders, or "barons," in Scotland.
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Sir John's Role in Scotland
As an important baron, Sir John helped with the government of Scotland. He was involved in big decisions, like agreeing to a peace treaty called the Treaty of Salisbury. He also helped ask the King of England, Edward I, to allow his son to marry Margaret of Norway. Margaret was next in line to be the Queen of Scotland.
After Margaret sadly died, and the Scottish King John Balliol was forced to give up his crown, England took control of Scotland. Sir John Stewart then joined the fight for Scotland's freedom against the English.
King Edward I of England saw Sir John Stewart, along with his brother Sir James and Sir Robert the Bruce, as big threats to his rule. Edward even sent a letter telling his treasurer to capture them to stop the Scottish uprising.
The Battle of Falkirk
On July 22, 1298, a big battle happened at Falkirk. The Scottish army, led by Sir William Wallace, faced the English army, led by King Edward I.
In this battle, Sir John Stewart was in charge of the Scottish archers, who were skilled bowmen. Sir William Wallace led the main foot soldiers, and Sir John Comyn led the cavalry (soldiers on horseback).
After a short fight, the Scottish cavalry, led by Sir John Comyn, left the battlefield. This left Sir John Stewart's archers unprotected. The archers fought bravely against the English cavalry. Sir John Stewart was killed during the fight. After he fell from his horse, his archers gathered around his body and fought until they were all killed.
After the battle, Sir John Stewart was buried in the churchyard of the Falkirk Old Parish Church.
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Sir John's Family
Sir John Stewart married Margaret de Bonkyll. They had several children:
- Sir Alexander Stewart of Bonkyll (died 1319): He was the oldest son and the first "Stewart of Bonkyll." His family line included John Stewart, 1st Earl of Angus.
- Sir Alan Stewart of Dreghorn (died 1333): He was killed in the Battle of Halidon Hill. His family line became the Stewarts of Darnley, who were very important and included the Stuart family who later ruled Great Britain.
- Sir Walter Stewart of Garlies and Dalswinton: His family line became the Earls of Galloway.
- Sir James Stewart of Pearston (died 1333): He was also killed at the Battle of Halidon Hill. His family line included the Lords of Lorne and the Clan Stewart of Appin.
- Sir John Stewart of Daldon (died 1333): He was killed at the Battle of Halidon Hill and didn't have children.
- Sir Robert Stewart of Daldowie.
- Sir Hugh Stewart: He didn't have children.
- Isabella Stewart (died after 1351): She married Thomas Randolph, 1st Earl of Moray.
Royal Connections
Sir John Stewart is a direct ancestor of Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley. Lord Darnley married Mary, Queen of Scots, who was a descendant of Sir John's brother, Sir James. Their son was James VI of Scotland, who later became King James I of England. This means Sir John Stewart is also an ancestor of famous historical figures like "Bonnie Prince Charlie."
Family History Through Genetics
In 2013 and 2014, scientists at the University of Strathclyde did a study about family history using genetics. They tested the DNA of people who are known descendants of Sir John Stewart and his brother Sir James. They found a special genetic marker on the Y chromosome of Sir John's male descendants. This marker, called S781, helps prove that these people are directly related to Sir John Stewart through their father's side of the family.
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