John of Islay, Lord of the Isles facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John of Islay, Lord of the Isles
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| Lord of the Isles (1336–1386) | |
18th century illustration of some of the tombs of Oronsay Priory, founded by John of Islay sometime before 1358
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| Successor | Donald of Islay, Lord of the Isles |
| Born | 1320 Scotland |
| Died | 1386 Ardtornish Castle, Morvern, Scotland |
| Noble family | Clan Donald |
| Spouse(s) | Amie (sister of Ruairidh Mac Ruairidh, Lord of Garmoran) Margaret Stewart (daughter of Robert II of Scotland) |
| Issue Among others |
Ranald Domhnall of Islay, Lord of the Isles John Mór Tanister Alastair Carrach |
| Parents | Aonghus Óg of Islay Áine Ní Chatháin |
John of Islay (also known as John MacDonald) was a powerful Scottish leader. He lived from about 1320 to 1386. He was known as the Lord of the Isles from 1336 until his death. This title meant he was the chief of Clan Donald.
The title "Lord of the Isles" was very old. It was similar to the older Gaelic title "King of the Isles." This title had been used since the time of the Vikings. John of Islay helped make the MacDonald clan very strong in western Scotland.
Contents
Life and Times of John of Islay
Becoming a Powerful Leader
John was the son of Aonghus Óg of Islay. His father was a nobleman from Islay. Aonghus Óg became powerful by supporting King Robert I of Scotland. Robert I had fought against the Clan MacDougall and their allies. Because of this, John's father gained lands like Ardnamurchan and Lochaber. This made the MacDonalds a leading family in the west.
Changing Loyalties
After Robert I died, his son David II of Scotland became king. John's father had been loyal to Robert I. However, John's loyalty to David II was not as strong. In 1333, Edward Balliol tried to take over Scotland. Edward wanted John's support.
In 1336, Edward Balliol promised John many new lands. These included Kintyre, Mull, and Skye. These lands belonged to other powerful families who supported David II. But John never truly helped Edward Balliol.
Gaining More Land
Edward Balliol was later removed from power. This made his land promises to John invalid. However, King David II confirmed John's original lands in 1343. John became even more powerful in 1346. He inherited the large Lordship of Garmoran through his first wife, Amie. This meant John now controlled almost all the Hebrides islands. He also controlled much of the western coast of Scotland.
Alliances and Family
John continued to build his power. He made an important alliance with Robert II of Scotland. Robert was David II's cousin and was expected to be the next king. When David II was captured by the English in 1346, Robert became the main ruler in northern Scotland.
In 1350, John married Robert's daughter, Margaret Stewart. He received more lands, Knapdale and Kintyre, as a wedding gift. For this marriage, John had to divorce his first wife, Amie. His sons with Amie would not inherit his main title. Instead, any children with Margaret would be his heirs.
John and Robert worked together to control the large earldom of Moray. This expanded MacDonald power into Lochaber.
Challenges and Success
When King David II returned to Scotland in 1357, he was not happy. He felt John and Robert had taken too much power. In 1369, David II marched to Inverness. John of Islay had to submit to the king's authority.
However, David II died soon after, in 1371. John's ally, Robert, became King Robert II. King Robert II made sure John kept his lands. He also confirmed John's control over the lands he inherited from Amie's family.
John of Islay died in 1386 at Ardtornish Castle. He was buried on the island of Iona. John's success came from making smart alliances. He also took advantage of times when the king's power was weak. His strong leadership allowed his family to remain very powerful for a long time.
Cultural and Religious Support
John was also a supporter of culture and religion. He controlled Iona, which was a very important religious site in Scotland. John also founded an Augustinian priory (a type of monastery) on Oronsay. This was a unique act for his time.
Family and Children
John of Islay had children from two marriages.
Children with Amie
- Ranald: He died in 1386.
- John: He married Ellen, the daughter of Gillespic Campbell.
- Godfrey
Children with Princess Margaret Stewart
- Domhnall of Islay, Lord of the Isles: He died in 1423. He became the next Lord of the Isles.
- John Mór Tanister: He died in 1427. He became the Lord of Dunyvaig and the Glens.
- Alastair Carrach: He died around 1440.
- Agnes: She married Sir John Montgomerie.
- Hugh: He was the Thane of Glentilt.
- Marcus
- Mary: She married Lachlan Maclean of Duart.
- Elizabeth (also known as Margaret): She married Angus Du Mackay.
- Christina: She married Robert Savage.
Images for kids
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18th century illustration of some of the tombs of Oronsay Priory, founded by John of Islay sometime before 1358
