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Home > Medieval Life > Medieval People. James Douglas, the Lord of Douglas, emerges from the annals of Scottish history as a formidable figure renowned for his unwavering loyalty, military prowess, and unyielding commitment to Scotland’s cause during the Wars of Scottish Independence.
Sir James Douglas was the lord of the Douglas family and champion of Robert de Bruce (King Robert I of Scotland). Son of Sir William Douglas (d. c. 1298), who was captured by the English and died in the Tower of London, Sir James was educated in Paris and returned home to find an Englishman, Robert.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
- Early Life and Origins. James Douglas was born around 1286 into a noble Scottish family with a long history of military service. His family held lands in the Scottish Borders, and James would grow up immersed in the martial culture of the region.
- Loyal Ally of Robert the Bruce. Douglas became a loyal supporter and ally of Robert the Bruce, one of Scotland’s greatest heroes during the First War of Scottish Independence.
- Battle of Bannockburn. Douglas played a crucial role in the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, a pivotal conflict in the struggle for Scottish independence.
- The ‘Black Douglas’ Moniker. James Douglas earned the nickname “Black Douglas” due to his dark complexion and hair. It became a symbol of his fierce reputation on the battlefield.
#3. James Douglas, Lord of Douglas. James Douglas, also known as “The Good Sir James,” was a Scottish nobleman and military leader who played a prominent role in the Wars of Scottish Independence. He was a close companion and loyal supporter of Robert the Bruce, participating in numerous military campaigns against the English.
- Early Life
- Joins Robert The Bruce
- The Black Douglas
- Battle of Bannockburn
- Border Raids
- Heart of The Bruce
James Douglas was the oldest son of William, Lord of Douglas and Elizabeth Stewart.[a] His father, William, had refused to support king Edward I of England who had taken over Scotland in 1290. The English king put William in prison and took his lands. This left young James with no land and no father. Douglas then went to France where he lived a sim...
In 1307 Douglas joined king Robert against the English king, Edward I That spring James Douglas with some of his men attacked his father's castle of Douglas and defeated the English soldiers there. Douglas then burned his castle and destroyed all stores of wine and grain. He poisoned the wells and executed the English soldiers they captured. This e...
In several raids in 1307 and 1308 James Douglas provided support to King Robert in the south of Scotland. On the night of Tuesday 19 February 1314 James Douglas and his men wearing black coats to cover their armor attacked Roxbrugh Castle. Roxbrugh was the main English stronghold in south central Scotland. It was defended by 100 English soldiers. T...
Edward II of England[b] had kept up the wars against the Bruce and his followers. He was growing more and more angry with each victory of Robert the Bruce and his followers. Determined to put an end to Bruce once and for all he assembled a very large army. It consisted of mounted knights, archers, crossbow-men, and foot soldiers led by Edward himse...
After English defeat at Bannockburn the northern border of England was very lightly defended. In August of 1314 James Douglas, along with Edward Bruce (the king's brother), and John of Soules led a large raid into England. From 1314 to 1319 Douglas was raiding northern England at least once a year. When Edward Bruce left for Ireland in 1317 Douglas...
In 1328 Robert the Bruce was in poor health and was dying. One thing he had not been able to do was to go on a crusade. He asked his friend Sir James Douglas to take his heart to the Holy Land. The king died on 7 June 1329. After the king's death James Douglas had a silver casket made and placed in it the heart of Robert the Bruce. He kept it safe ...
- 1330, Battle of Teba, Andalucia
- Scottish Leader during the Wars of Scottish Independence
- unknown
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Sir James Douglas (also known as Good Sir James and the Black Douglas; c. 1286 – 1330) was a Scottish knight and feudal lord. He was one of the chief commanders during the Wars of Scottish Independence.
Medieval People: James Douglas, Lord of Douglas James Douglas was a formidable figure renowned for his unwavering loyalty, military prowess, and unyielding commitment to Scotland’s cause. Medieval People: William Wallace
