Philip Mowbray facts for kids

Sir Philip Mowbray (died 1318) was an important Scottish noble. At first, he fought against Robert the Bruce during the Wars of Scottish Independence. These wars were a long struggle for Scotland's freedom from England. Later, Philip de Mowbray changed his mind and joined forces with Robert the Bruce. He was killed in 1318 while fighting in Ireland.

Early Life and Family

Philip de Mowbray was the son of Sir Geoffrey de Mowbray. His mother was a daughter of John I Comyn, Lord of Badenoch. Philip married Eva de Umfraville, who was known as Lady Redcastle. She was the daughter of Ingram de Umfraville.

Fighting Against Robert the Bruce

In 1307, Philip de Mowbray led a group of 1,000 English soldiers. They were traveling from Bothwell Castle to an area called Kyle. On their journey, they were suddenly attacked by Sir James Douglas. Douglas was a strong supporter of Robert the Bruce.

During the fight, Philip de Mowbray lost his sword. He had to run a long way to Inverkip Castle to escape. His soldiers went back to Bothwell Castle. The poet John Barbour wrote about this event in his famous poem, The Brus:

Sync throu the Largis, him allane

Till Ennerkip the way he tane,
Rigcht to the castell that wes then
Stuffyt all with Ingless men,
That him resaiffyt in daynte.

This means he ran alone through the area called Largis. He took the path to Inverkip Castle. That castle was full of English soldiers. They welcomed him inside.

Constable of Stirling Castle

Later, Philip de Mowbray became the Constable of Stirling Castle. A Constable was like the commander of a castle. Stirling Castle was controlled by English forces at this time.

The castle was surrounded by Edward Bruce's army. Edward Bruce was King Robert the Bruce's younger brother. After a long time, Philip de Mowbray made a deal. He agreed that Stirling Castle would be given back to Scotland. This would happen unless English forces arrived to help before June 24, 1314.

When the English army arrived, Philip de Mowbray gave advice to Edward II of England. He told the King not to fight Robert the Bruce's army directly. However, King Edward II did not listen. This led to the famous Battle of Bannockburn.

Changing Sides and Death

After the Battle of Bannockburn, Philip de Mowbray decided to support Robert the Bruce. He joined the Scottish side. In 1318, he fought alongside Edward Bruce in Ireland. They were fighting at the Battle of Faughart. Philip de Mowbray was killed during this battle.

His son, John, took over his lands after his death. John also inherited lands from the Umfraville family, including an area in France called Tours-en-Vimeu.

Philip's brother, Roger de Mowbray, was the Standard Bearer of Scotland. He was arrested in 1320. This was for treason against King Robert I of Scotland. Philip's daughter, Phillippa, married Bartholomew de Leon. She got back her brother's lands in 1346. Her son, David, later used the Mowbray family name and symbols.