William Douglas, 8th Earl of Douglas facts for kids
William Douglas, 8th Earl of Douglas, 2nd Earl of Avondale (born 1425 – died February 22, 1452) was a very powerful Scottish nobleman during the late Middle Ages. He was the Lord of Galloway and a major leader in Southern Scotland. King James II of Scotland killed him.
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Early Life and Family Power
William Douglas was the oldest son of James Douglas, 7th Earl of Douglas, and Beatrice Sinclair. His mother was the daughter of Henry Sinclair, Earl of Orkney.
William's father was involved in a plot that led to the famous "Black Dinner". At this event, the 6th Earl of Douglas and his brother were killed. When William's father died three years later, William inherited his titles and lands. This made him the new Earl of Douglas.
William became even more powerful when he married his cousin, Margaret Douglas, Fair Maid of Galloway. She was the daughter of the 5th Earl. Through this marriage, William gained control of the lands of Galloway and Bothwell. His great power started to worry the King.
Travels and Return to Scotland
In 1450, William Douglas and his group were given permission to travel through England to Calais and other places. He planned to attend a special religious event called the Jubilee in Rome. He traveled through England, Flanders, and France.
Another permission slip was given in April 1451, allowing him to travel with 100 people. By August 1451, William Douglas had returned to Scotland. He was an important Scottish leader who helped make a three-year peace agreement with England in Newcastle upon Tyne.
At this time, he owned Glendevon Castle in what is now south Perthshire.
Conflict with King James II
While William Douglas was away in Rome, King James II attacked some of the Douglas lands. The King did this because Douglas had caused problems for other lords nearby. Even after Douglas returned, relations between him and the King remained difficult, even though they seemed to be at peace.
In early February 1452, Sir William Lauder of Haltoun, a close friend of Douglas, brought a message. It was a summons for Douglas to meet the King at Stirling Castle. People were often suspicious of such invitations, but Lauder brought a special safe-conduct pass from the King. This pass promised Douglas would be safe.
Once at Stirling, King James demanded that Douglas break up a powerful alliance he had made. Douglas had joined forces with Alexander Lindsay, known as the "Tiger" Earl of Crawford, and John of Islay.
When Douglas refused to break his alliance, the King attacked him. Several men with the King also joined in, and Douglas was killed. His body was then thrown out of a window.
Since William Douglas had no children, his titles and lands passed to his brother, James.
Douglas in Stories
William Douglas is a main character in the novel Black Douglas by Nigel Tranter. This book imagines some parts of his life, like suggesting he had a difficult marriage.
William Douglas also appears in James II: Day of the Innocents. This play is part of "The James Plays" trilogy written by Rona Munro. This large theater show tells a fictional story, based on historical facts, about three generations of Scottish kings (James I, II, and III). The play includes the scene where King James II kills Douglas.
