Thomas Stewart, 2nd Earl of Angus facts for kids
Thomas Stewart, 2nd Earl of Angus (born around 1331, died 1361) was an important Scottish nobleman during the Middle Ages. He held the title of Earl of Angus, which meant he was a powerful lord with lands and influence.
Early Life and Family
Thomas Stewart was the son of John Stewart, 1st Earl of Angus. His mother was Margaret de Abernethy. Thomas was very young when his father passed away. Because of this, he inherited all of his father's lands and titles. These included areas in Berwickshire, Abernethy, and Angus.
In 1353, Thomas Stewart married Margaret Sinclair. She was the daughter of William de St Clair of Rosslyn. To get permission for this marriage, a request was sent to the Holy See (the Pope's office). This request was even supported by John II of France, the King of France. This suggests that young Thomas might have spent some time at the French royal court.
Important Roles and Challenges
Thomas Stewart was involved in important events for Scotland. In 1355, he was present at the siege of Berwick. A siege is when an army surrounds a town or castle to try and capture it.
He was also one of the Scottish lords who helped negotiate the release of King David II. King David had been held captive for ten years after the Battle of Neville's Cross. This shows Thomas Stewart's importance in Scottish politics.
Later, in the late 1350s, Thomas Stewart became the Great Chamberlain of Scotland. This was a very high-ranking job in the government. The Great Chamberlain was in charge of the king's finances and household. However, he held this position for only a short time, losing it before 1359.
In 1360, Thomas Stewart was accused of being involved in a serious plot. Because of this, he was put in prison. While he was held at Dumbarton Castle, he became sick. Sadly, he died from the Bubonic plague in 1361.
Family and Legacy
Thomas Stewart and Margaret Sinclair had two daughters:
- Margaret Stewart, Countess of Angus and Mar: She later became the Countess of Angus and Mar. She was also the mother of George Douglas, 1st Earl of Angus.
- Elizabeth Stewart: She married Alexander Hamilton of Ballencrieff and Innerwick. Their family line eventually led to the Earls of Haddington.
