Sir Robert Graham facts for kids

Sir Robert Graham of Kinpont (died 1437) was a Scottish landowner. He was also one of the main people involved in the killing of King James I of Scotland in 1437.

Sir Robert Graham's Life

His Family and Early Life

Robert Graham was the third son of Patrick Graham of Kincardine. He went to the University of Paris in the 1390s. He might have been preparing to become a priest.

In 1399, he married Marion Oliphant. She was the daughter of John Oliphant of Aberdalgie. Robert's brother, Sir Patrick Graham, became the Earl of Strathearn in 1406. This happened when he married Euphemia Stewart, Countess of Strathearn. Robert then became a teacher for his nephew, Malise Graham. People said Robert was a very smart and eloquent man. He was also very skilled in law.

Trouble with the King

The Graham family supported Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany, and his son Murdoch. But King James I had Murdoch and his two sons executed in 1425. After this, Robert Graham was put in prison at Dunbar Castle. However, he was set free by 1428.

Around 1425, King James I took away the title of Earl of Strathearn from Malise Graham. The king said Malise shouldn't have inherited it from his mother. At this time, Malise was still young and was also being held hostage in England. Some people believe this action made Robert Graham turn against the King. Others are not so sure this was his main reason. The earldom was given to Walter Stewart, Earl of Atholl. Walter was King James I's uncle. Robert Graham seemed to continue working for the new Earl.

Walter was next in line to become king. After Walter, Malise, Robert's nephew, was next in line. Both Walter and Robert had other reasons to be upset with the King. They worked together to plan his murder. Robert Graham was the one who carried it out.

The King's Murder

The Plan Against James I

In 1436, after a failed military trip to Roxburgh, Sir Robert spoke out against the king in Parliament. He even tried to arrest him. Robert was arrested and put in prison, but he managed to escape.

A secret plan was then made. Sir Robert, the Earl of Atholl, and Atholl's grandson Robert Stewart were all part of it.

The Night of the Attack

On the night of February 20, 1437, King James I was staying at a monastery in Perth. Robert Stewart allowed the people involved in the plan to enter the building. This group included Sir Robert Graham and his son Thomas.

The king tried to hide in a drain, but he was found and killed. Sir Robert is said to have delivered the final blow. The attackers escaped. However, they did not kill the Queen, Joan Beaufort. She quickly took charge as the leader for the young James II.

There was no widespread support for the secret plan. The people who killed the King were soon found and punished. Sir Robert was found in Perthshire. He was taken to Stirling and executed in April.

Later, some historians have questioned if taking away Malise Graham's earldom was the main reason for Sir Robert's actions.