Walter Stewart, Earl of Atholl facts for kids
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Walter Stewart (born around 1360, died 1437) was an important Scottish nobleman. He was a son of King Robert II of Scotland. Walter helped bring King James I back to Scotland in 1424. He also helped judge his nephew, Murdoch Stewart, 2nd Duke of Albany, who was later executed. However, Walter Stewart eventually turned against King James I. He was involved in a plot to kill the King in 1437. For this, he was arrested and put to death.
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Early Life of Walter Stewart
Walter Stewart was a son of Robert II of Scotland. His mother was Euphemia de Ross. This made him a half-brother to Robert III of Scotland. He was also an uncle to King James I.
Walter Stewart married Margaret Barclay before 1378. They had two sons:
- Alan Stewart (died 1431)
- David Stewart (died before 1437)
In 1390, Walter's niece, Euphemia, gave him the title of Earl of Caithness. Later, in 1404, he was also made Earl of Atholl.
Bringing King James I Home
Walter Stewart worked hard to bring his nephew, James I, back from Kingdom of England. James had been held there for many years. He finally returned to Scotland in 1424.
Walter was part of a group that judged his half-nephew, Murdoch Stewart, 2nd Duke of Albany. Murdoch and two of his sons were later executed.
Walter Stewart was given important roles by the King. He became the Great Justiciar of Scotland. He also became the Earl of Strathearn. He gave up his Caithness title to his son Alan in 1428. But when Alan died in 1431, Walter got the title back.
It is not fully clear why Walter Stewart supported James I at first. Some people thought he wanted to cause trouble between different branches of the House of Stewart. Others believed he turned against the King after his son David was imprisoned and died.
The Plot Against King James I
For reasons that are still debated, Walter Stewart joined a plot against King James I. His grandson, Robert Stewart, Master of Atholl, and Sir Robert Graham were also part of this plan.
On February 20, 1437, the plot led to the King's death. Robert Stewart opened the doors to the King's rooms. This allowed the attackers to enter the royal lodging in Perth. The King tried to hide under the floorboards. But Sir Robert Graham found him and killed him.
Punishment of Walter Stewart
Walter Stewart and the other plotters did not have much public support. They were quickly caught. They were found guilty and put to death in Edinburgh. Their punishment was very severe.
Walter Stewart was punished over three days. On the first day, he was stretched and then shown to the public. He wore a crown that said "King of all Traitors." On the second day, he was dragged through the streets of Edinburgh. Finally, his body was cut into pieces and displayed in different parts of the country.
