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James “The Good” Douglas, Lord of Douglas[1]

Male Abt 1286 - 1330  (~ 44 years)


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  • Name James “The Good” Douglas 
    Suffix Lord of Douglas 
    Nickname Guid Sir James 
    Born Abt 1286  Douglas Castle, Lanackshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Gender Male 
    Occupation 6th Lord of Douglas; later Lord of Galloway as well 
    Occupation THE BLACK DOUGLAS 
    Occupation THE BLACK DOUGLAS 
    Residence Lothian, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Buried 1330  Saint Bride's Cemetery Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Address:
    South Lanarkshire Scotland
    South Lanarkshire
    Scotland 
    Died 25 Aug 1330  Battle of Tepa, Andelucia, Spain Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Notes 
    • {geni:about_me}
      Not to be confused with https://www.geni.com/people/Sir-James-Douglas-of-Hermiston-and-of-Lothian/6000000046523762854

      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Douglas,_Lord_of_Douglas

      Sir James Douglas (also known as Guid Sir James and the Black Douglas), (1286 – August 25, 1330), was a Scottish soldier and knight who fought in the Scottish Wars of Independence. He was a son of Sir William Douglas the Hardy, who had been a supporter of William Wallace (the elder Douglas died in 1298, a prisoner in the Tower of London). His mother was Elizabeth Stewart, the daughter of Alexander Stewart, 4th High Steward of Scotland.

      Sir James had two children by unknown mothers:

      William, Lord of Douglas killed 1333 at the Battle of Halidon Hill

      In 1333 succeeded by his uncle, Hugh the Dull, Lord of Douglas (c.1294-1342)

      In 1342 succeeded by his cousin, William Douglas, 1st Earl of Douglas, (1327-1384)

      Archibald the Grim (1325-1400), Lord of Galloway succeeded his once removed cousin as Earl of Douglas in 1388.

      He served as lieutenant to Robert the Bruce, King of Scots in the Scottish Wars of Independence, including the great victory at the Battle of Bannockburn.

      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Bannockburn

      In 1329, Robert the Bruce, King of Scots, as he lay dying, had charged his friend and lieutenant, Sir James Douglas, that when he was dead the knight should take the king's embalmed heart and bear it with him on crusade. So in 1330 he went on Crusade with Robert the Bruce's Heart and was killed at the Battle of Teba while fighting the Moors in Spain.

      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Teba

      The poet and chronicler John Barbour provides us with a pen portrait of the Black Douglas, among the first of its kind in Scottish history;

      But he was not so fair that we

      Should praise his looks in high degree.

      In visage he was rather grey;

      His hair was black, so I heard say,

      His limbs were finely made and long,

      His bones were large, his shoulders strong,

      His body was well-knit and slim

      And those say that set eyes on him,

      When happy, loveable was he,

      And meek and sweet in company,

      But those with him in battle saw

      Another countenance he wore!

      --------------------

      Nursery Rhyme

      Hush Ye,Hush ye,

      Hush ye, little pet ye,

      Hush ye, hush ye, do no fret ye,

      The Black Douglas shall no get ye.
      --------------------
      Sir James Douglas (also known as Guid Sir James and the Black Douglas), (1286 – August 25, 1330), was a Scottish soldier and knight who fought in the Scottish Wars of Independence. He was a son of Sir William Douglas the Hardy, who had been a supporter of William Wallace (the elder Douglas died in 1298, a prisoner in the Tower of London). His mother was Elizabeth Stewart, the daughter of Alexander Stewart, 4th High Steward of Scotland.

      Sir James had two children by unknown mothers:

      William, Lord of Douglas killed 1333 at the Battle of Halidon Hill

      In 1333 succeeded by his uncle, Hugh the Dull, Lord of Douglas (c.1294-1342)

      In 1342 succeeded by his cousin, William Douglas, 1st Earl of Douglas, (1327-1384)

      Archibald the Grim (1325-1400), Lord of Galloway succeeded his once removed cousin as Earl of Douglas in 1388.
      --------------------
      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Douglas,_Lord_of_Douglas

      Sir James "Good Sir James/Black Douglas" Douglas
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      Birth: c. 1286
      Death: Aug. 25, 1330

      James of Douglas was the friend and ablest lieutenant of Robert the Bruce. Known as the Black Douglas to the English and as the Good Sir James to the Scots, Douglas was a brilliant fighter and master of guerrilla warfare. He commanded the left wing of Bruce's army at the battle of Bannockburn. Before his death, Bruce asked Douglas to take his heart on a crusade to the Holy Land. Douglas set out bearing Bruce's heart in a silver casket, but on the way fell fighting the Moors in Spain. The Scottish knights who survived brought back Douglas's body which was entombed in the town of Douglas and Bruce's heart which was buried in Melrose Abbey.


      Cause of death: killed in battle with the Moors

      Search Amazon for Sir James Douglas

      Burial:
      Saint Bride's Cemetery
      Douglas
      South Lanarkshire, Scotland

      Edit Virtual Cemetery info [?]

      Maintained by: Find A Grave
      Record added: Jun 20, 2000
      Find A Grave Memorial# 10033

      http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=10033&ref=wvr
      --------------------
      Fought for Robert the Bruce at Methven in 1306. One of the greatest Scots heroes Then led a raid on Douglas Castle, his Douglasdale Estate. (It had been confiscated by the English). Disguised as peasants, he & his men defeated the English garrison. This battle became known as the "Douglas Larder." He & his men attacked & captured Roxburgh Castle, disguised as oxen. Known for his stealthy and effective means of combat. Played a major role in the defeat of the English Army at Battle of Bannockburn. One of the signatories of the Declaration of Arbroath, at Arbroath Abbey (1320). 1329 Upon death of Bruce, entrusted to take his heart on pilgrimage to Holy Land. 1330 Killed fighting the Moors in Spain while on this pilgrimage in Spain. His body & Bruce's heart were returned to Scotland. Interred: St. Bride's Church. Lord of Galloway.
      Clan Douglas Website: "His stealthy and effective means of combat are remembered in a children's bedtime song,
      "Hush ye, hush ye, little pet ye, Hush ye, hush ye, do not fret ye, The Black Douglas shall no get ye."


      "Known to theScots as "good Sir James", & to the the English as "the Black Douglas," he was, with Wallace & Bruce, one of the three great heroes of Scottish independence."[1]

      Wikipedia: The poet and chronicler John Barbour provides us with a pen portrait of the Black Douglas, among the first of its kind in Scottish history.



      But he was not so fair that we Should praise his looks in high degree. In visage he was rather grey; His hair was black, so I heard say, His limbs were finely made and long, His bones were large, his shoulders strong, His body was well-knit and slim And those say that set eyes on him, When happy, loveable was he, And meek and sweet in company, But those with him in battle saw Another countenance he wore!
      Lord of Douglas. He joined the revolt of Robert the Bruce. He escaped with Bruce from the battle of Methuen, three times destroyed English garrisons in his castle of Douglas. By his raids into England he earned the dreaded name of "the Black Douglas." He took Teviotdale, commanded the left wing at Bannockburn in 1314, invaded Yorkshire, defeated the army of the Archbishop of York and the Bishop of Ely at Mitton in 1319, he surprised the English at Weardale in 1327, nearly capturing King Edward III. During the peace that followed, while carrying the embalmed heart of Robert the Bruce to the Holy Land according to the dying king's wish, he fell to his death fighting Moors in Andalusia.


      Name: James /Douglas/
      Also known as:
      •Good Sir James in Scotland
      •The Black Douglas to the English

      http://www.douglashistory.co.uk/history/Jameslddouglas.htm

      --------------------
      Sir James Douglas aka of Lothian
      Born about 1280 in Douglas Castle,Douglas,Lanarkshire,Scotlandmap
      Son of William Douglas and [mother unknown]
      [sibling(s) unknown]
      [spouse(s) unknown]
      Father of John Douglas
      Died about 1323 in Dalkeith,,Lothian,Scotlandmap
      Profile manager: Maria Maxwell private message [send private message]
      This page has been accessed 203 times.

      Nominate for Profile of the Week by posting the link http://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Douglas-528 in our G+ Community. Vote by clicking the +1 button above.
      This person was created through the import of Martin_O_Daniels_Lorentz_Toale.ged on 21 March 2011. The following data was included in the gedcom. You may wish to edit it for readability.

      He lived at Midlothian, Scotland. In 1315 he was granted Kincavil and Calderclere by King Robert I.
      Death

      Death:
      Date: 1323-04
      Place: Dalkeith,,Lothian,Scotland
      Imported only 1323 from Death Date and marked as uncertain.

      Sources

      G.E. Cokayne; with Vicary Gibbs, H.A. Doubleday, Geoffrey H. White, Duncan Warrand and Lord Howard de Walden, editors, The Complete Peerage of England, Scotland, Ireland, Great Britain and the United Kingdom, Extant, Extinct or Dormant, new ed., 13 volumes in 14 (1910-1959; reprint in 6 volumes, Gloucester, U.K.: Alan Sutton Publishing, 2000), volume I, page 310.
      Charles Mosley, editor, Burke's Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage, 107th edition, 3 volumes (Wilmington, Delaware, U.S.A.: Burke's Peerage (Genealogical Books) Ltd, 2003), volume 2, page 2786.

      http://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Douglas-528
      --------------------
      He lived at Midlothian, Scotland. In 1315 he was granted Kincavil and Calderclere by King Robert I.
      --------------------

      Sir James Douglas of Lothian1
      M, #109191, d. before 20 April 1323
      Last Edited=23 Mar 2013
      Sir James Douglas of Lothian was the son of William Douglas of Hermiston.2 He married Joan (?).2 He died before 20 April 1323.2
      He lived at Midlothian, Scotland.1 In 1315 he was granted Kincavil and Calderclere by King Robert I.2
      Children of Sir James Douglas of Lothian and Joan (?)

      Sir John Douglas+1 d. c Jan 1349/50
      James Douglas2 d. 1335
      Elizabeth Douglas2
      Sir William Douglas+1 b. b 1326, d. Aug 1353

      Citations

      [S6] G.E. Cokayne; with Vicary Gibbs, H.A. Doubleday, Geoffrey H. White, Duncan Warrand and Lord Howard de Walden, editors, The Complete Peerage of England, Scotland, Ireland, Great Britain and the United Kingdom, Extant, Extinct or Dormant, new ed., 13 volumes in 14 (1910-1959; reprint in 6 volumes, Gloucester, U.K.: Alan Sutton Publishing, 2000), volume I, page 310. Hereinafter cited as The Complete Peerage.
      [S37] BP2003 volume 2, page 2786. See link for full details for this source. Hereinafter cited as. [S37]

      Source:
      http://www.thepeerage.com/p10920.htm
      --------------------
      Sources
      # [http://archive.org/stream/scotspeeragefoun08pauluoft#page/5/mode/1up The Scots Peerage: ] founded on Wood's ed. of Sir Robert Douglas's Peerage of Scotland; containing an historical and genealogical account of the nobility of that kingdom. Published 1911 by D. Douglas in Edinburgh .  Vol Vlll.  Page 5. Thomas Somerville married 1) Elizabeth, daughter of Sir James Douglas of Laudonia

      Links
      * http://histfam.familysearch.org/getperson.php?personID=I98517&tree=Nixon
      ** Reference: [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-1/myheritage-family-trees?itemId=202580211-1-514285&action=showRecord MyHeritage Family Trees] - [http://www.geni.com/projects/SmartCopy/18783 SmartCopy]: ''Jul 21 2016, 19:45:06 UTC''

      --------------------
      check citations-
      http://www.palmspringsbum.org/genealogy/getperson.php?personID=I76633&tree=Legends
      Hugh Gifford, Lord Yester [1]
      Born Cal 1322 [2]
      Name Hugh Gifford [2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
      Died 1365 [2]


      Family m. Joanna Douglas, d. Aft 1400
      Biographical had 4 daughters, all coheirs [6]
      Children
      + 1. Heiress Joanna Gifford, d. Aft 1401
      + 2. Alice Gifford, d. Yes, date unknown
      + 3. Elizabeth Gifford, Co-Heiress of Yester, b. 1396, Bemersyde, Berwickshire, Scotland Find all individuals with events at this location, d. Yes, date unknown
      Last Modified 20 Jan 2013
      Family ID F27846 Group Sheet

      Sources

      [S655] Burke's Landed Gentry (1894), Vol. I, Sir Bernard Burke, Ulter King of Arms, (London, England: Harrison and Sons, 1894), http://books.google.com/books?id=93M-AQAAIAAJ., Haig of Blairhill, page 852 (Reliability: 3).

      [S189] Powys-Lybbe, Antony & Timothy Francis Powys-Lybbe, (Winkfield, United Kingdom: www.powys.org, 13 Jan 2007 - 2013), Email of 7 Jan 2013 (Reliability: 3).
      ~ Ancestors of Janet Home

      [S464] Peerage, The, Daryl Lundy, (Nagaio, Wellington, New Zealand: http://www.thepeerage.com/index.htm).
      Charles Mosley, editor, Burke's Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage, 107th edition, 3 volumes (Wilmington, Delaware, U.S.A.: Burke's Peerage (Genealogical Books) Ltd, 2003), volume 2, page 1718.

      [S509] Haig of Bemersyde, John Russell, (Edinburgh & London: William Blackwood and Sons, 1881), http://books.google.com/books?id=ulgBAAAAQAAJ., page 436 (Reliability: 4).

      [S511] Scots Peerage, Vol. 4, Sir James Balfour Paul, Lord Lyon King of Arms (editor), (Edinburgh, Scotland: David Douglas, 1907), archive.org/stream/scotspeeragefoun04pauluoft., page 445 (Reliability: 4).

      [S649] Scots Peerage, Vol. 8, David Douglas, (Edinburgh, Scotland: T. and A. Constable, printer, 1911), archive.org/stream/scotspeeragefoun08pauluoft., page 422 (Reliability: 3).

      ______________________________
    • Hush ye, hush ye, little pet ye,
    • Sir James "The Good" or "The Black Douglas", Lord of Douglas
    • The Black Douglases
    • The senior branch of the Douglas Family, the Black Douglases trace descent from the early Douglases through their progenitor, William," le Hardi".
    • ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    • Hush ye, hush ye, do not fret ye,
    • The Black Douglas shall no get ye.
    • The Black Douglases
    • ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    • Sir James "The Good" or "The Black Douglas", Lord of Douglas
    • Hush ye, hush ye, little pet ye,
    • Sir James, son of William "le Hardi", continued his father's fight for Scottish independence at the side of Robert the Bruce. He fought with Bruce at Methven in 1306 then led a raid on Douglas Castle, his Douglasdale Estate, which had been confiscated by the English. Disguised as peasants, Sir James and his men surprised and defeated the English garrison in the battle which has become known as the "Douglas Larder". Once again disguising his men, this time as oxen, he attacked and captured Roxburgh Castle. His stealthy and effective means of combat are remembered in a children's bedtime song,

      Hush ye, hush ye, little pet ye,
      Hush ye, hush ye, do not fret ye,
      The Black Douglas shall no get ye.

      Sir James also played a major role in the defeat of the English Army at the Battle of Bannockburn and was one of the signatories of the Declaration of Arbroath, at Arbroath Abbey, in 1320. On the death of Bruce in 1329, Sir James was entrusted with the Monarch's heart in order to carry it on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. He was killed fighting the Moors in Spain while on this pilgrimage in 1330.

      Sir James "The Good" or "The Black Douglas", Lord of Douglas

      Sir James, son of William "le Hardi", continued his father's fight for Scottish independence at the side of Robert the Bruce. He fought with Bruce at Methven in 1306 then led a raid on Douglas Castle, his Douglasdale Estate, which had been confiscated by the English. Disguised as peasants, Sir James and his men surprised and defeated the English garrison in the battle which has become known as the "Douglas Larder". Once again disguising his men, this time as oxen, he attacked and captured Roxburgh Castle. His stealthy and effective means of combat are remembered in a children's bedtime song,

      Hush ye, hush ye, little pet ye,
      Hush ye, hush ye, do not fret ye,
      The Black Douglas shall no get ye.

      Sir James also played a major role in the defeat of the English Army at the Battle of Bannockburn and was one of the signatories of the Declaration of Arbroath, at Arbroath Abbey, in 1320. On the death of Bruce in 1329, Sir James was entrusted with the Monarch's heart in order to carry it on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. He was killed fighting the Moors in Spain while on this pilgrimage in 1330.

      Sir James' body and Bruce's heart were returned to Scotland and laid to rest at St. Bride's Church and Melrose Abbey, respectively.

      Lord Douglas; 2nd Earl of Douglas and Mar ; "The Good Sir James" ; Known to the Scots as "good Sir James" and to the English as "the Black Douglas", along with Wallace and Bruce, one of the three great heroes of Scottish Independence.


      "... the "good Sir James,' the friend of Robert Bruce, the most illustrious member of the Douglas family, and one of the noblest of the band of heroes who vindicated the freedom and independence of Scotland against the English arms. The romantic incidents in the career of this famous warrior and patriot would fill a volume. On the imprisonment of his father he retired to France, where he spent three years, 'exercising himself in all virtuous exercise,' says Godscroft, and 'profited so well that he became the most compleat and best-accomplished young nobleman in the country or elsewhere.' On the death of his father young Douglas returned to Scotland. His paternal estate having been bestowed by King Edward on Lord Clifford, he was received into the household of Lamberton, Bishop of St. Andrews, with whom he 'counted kin' through his mother. He was residing there when Robert Bruce assumed the crown in 1305-6, and took up arms against the English invaders. Douglas, who was then only eighteen years of age, on receiving intelligence of this movement, resolved to repair at once to Bruce's standard. According to Barbour, he took this step secretly, though with the knowledge and approval of the patriotic prelate, who recommended him to provide himself with a suit of armour and to take a horse from his stables, with a show of force, thur 'robbing the bishop of what he durst not give.' Lesley, Bishop of Ross, however, makes no mention of force, and says Douglas carried a large sum of money from Lamberton to Bruce. He met the future King at Erickstane, near Moffat, on his way to Sconeto be crowned, and proferred him his homage and his services, which were cordially welcomed. From that time onward, until the freedom and independence of the kingdom were fully established, Douglas never left Bruce's side, alike in adversity and prosperity, and was conspicuous both for his valour in battle and his wisdom in council. He was present at the battle of Methven, where the newly crownedKing was defeated, and narowly escaped being taken prisoner. He was one of the samll band who took refuge, with Bruce and his Queen and other ladies, in the wilds first of Athole and then of Breadalbane, where for some time they subsisted on wild berries and the scanty and precarious produce of fishing and the chase. Barbour makes especial mention of the exertions of Sir James Douglas to provide for the wants and to promote the comfort of the ladies."
      The Great Historic Families of Scotland, by James Taylor

      The story continue at length and is quite interesting. Skipping to the end:

      "Godscroft states that Sir James was never married, but Dr. Fraser has discovered that he was married, and left a legitimate son, who fell at Halidon. Archibald the Grim, his natural son, became third Earl of Douglas. Sir James was succeeded by his next brother, Hugh Douglas."

      Freedom fighter. The son of Sir William Douglas (d.1298), who had been a supporter of William Wallace (1274 - 1305), James was sent to France for safety in these dangerous times. He returned in 1306,fighting alongside King Robert I - 'the Bruce' - (1274 - 1329) in the Wars of Independence and having considerable success in south-west Scotland against the English King Edward I (1239 - 1307). He was knighted by Robert at Bannockburn. He became known as the 'Black' Douglas, a name which carried on through one branch of his family. He took Robert's heart for a posthumous crusade against the Moorsin Spain, where he died. Mistress and James Douglas were married.1
    • Alias: "The Black" "The /Good"/
      REFN: P2803
      Killed in battle with the Moors in Spain on August 25, 1330 while carrying the heart of Robert the Bruce to the Holy Land.Sir James "The Good" or "The Black Douglas", Lord of Douglas

      Sir James, son of William "le Hardi", continued his father's fight for Scottish independence at the side of Robert the Bruce. He fought with Bruce at Methven in 1306 then led a raid on Douglas Castle, his Douglasdale Estate, which had been confiscated by the English. Disguised as peasants, Sir James and his men surprised and defeated the English garrison in the battle which has become known as the "Douglas Larder". Once again disguising his men, this time as oxen, he attacked and captured Roxburgh Castle. His stealthy and effective means of combat are remembered in a children's bedtime song,

      Hush ye, hush ye, little pet ye,
      Hush ye, hush ye, do not fret ye,
      The Black Douglas shall no get ye.

      Sir James also played a major role in the defeat of the English Army at the Battle of Bannockburn and was one of the signatories of the Declaration of Arbroath, at Arbroath Abbey, in 1320. On the death of Bruce in 1329, Sir James was entrusted with the Monarch's heart in order to carry it on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. He was killed fighting the Moors in Spain while on this pilgrimage in 1330.

      Sir James "The Good" or "The Black Douglas", Lord of Douglas

      Sir James, son of William "le Hardi", continued his father's fight for Scottish independence at the side of Robert the Bruce. He fought with Bruce at Methven in 1306 then led a raid on Douglas Castle, his Douglasdale Estate, which had been confiscated by the English. Disguised as peasants, Sir James and his men surprised and defeated the English garrison in the battle which has become known as the "Douglas Larder". Once again disguising his men, this time as oxen, he attacked and captured Roxburgh Castle. His stealthy and effective means of combat are remembered in a children's bedtime song,

      Hush ye, hush ye, little pet ye,
      Hush ye, hush ye, do not fret ye,
      The Black Douglas shall no get ye.

      Sir James also played a major role in the defeat of the English Army at the Battle of Bannockburn and was one of the signatories of the Declaration of Arbroath, at Arbroath Abbey, in 1320. On the death of Bruce in 1329, Sir James was entrusted with the Monarch's heart in order to carry it on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. He was killed fighting the Moors in Spain while on this pilgrimage in 1330.

      Sir James' body and Bruce's heart were returned to Scotland and laid to rest at St. Bride's Church and Melrose Abbey, respectively.

      Lord Douglas; 2nd Earl of Douglas and Mar ; "The Good Sir James" ; Known to the Scots as "good Sir James" and to the English as "the Black Douglas", along with Wallace and Bruce, one of the three great heroes of Scottish Independence.

      http://www.scotclans.org/history/other/douglas_james.htm
      includes a major article on this man.
      "... the "good Sir James,' the friend of Robert Bruce, the most illustrious member of the Douglas family, and one of the noblest of the band of heroes who vindicated the freedom and independence of Scotland against the English arms. The romantic incidents in the career of this famous warrior and patriot would fill a volume. On the imprisonment of his father he retired to France, where he spent three years, 'exercising himself in all virtuous exercise,' says Godscroft, and 'profited so well that he became the most compleat and best-accomplished young nobleman in the country or elsewhere.' On the death of his father young Douglas returned to Scotland. His paternal estate having been bestowed by King Edward on Lord Clifford, he was received into the household of Lamberton, Bishop of St. Andrews, with whom he 'counted kin' through his mother. He was residing there when Robert Bruce assumed the crown in 1305-6, and took up arms against the English invaders. Douglas, who was then only eighteen years of age, on receiving intelligence of this movement, resolved to repair at once to Bruce's standard. According to Barbour, he took this step secretly, though with the knowledge and approval of the patriotic prelate, who recommended him to provide himself with a suit of armour and to take a horse from his stables, with a show of force, thur 'robbing the bishop of what he durst not give.' Lesley, Bishop of Ross, however, makes no mention of force, and says Douglas carried a large sum of money from Lamberton to Bruce. He met the future King at Erickstane, near Moffat, on his way to Scone to be crowned, and proferred him his homage and his services, which were cordially welcomed. From that time onward, until the freedom and independence of the kingdom were fully established, Douglas never left Bruce's side, alike in adversity and prosperity, and was conspicuous both for his valour in battle and his wisdom in council. He was present at the battle of Methven, where the newly crowned King was defeated, and narowly escaped being taken prisoner. He was one of the samll band who took refuge, with Bruce and his Queen and other ladies, in the wilds first of Athole and then of Breadalbane, where for some time they subsisted on wild berries and the scanty and precarious produce of fishing and the chase. Barbour makes especial mention of the exertions of Sir James Douglas to provide for the wants and to promote the comfort of the ladies."
      The Great Historic Families of Scotland, by James Taylor

      The story continue at length and is quite interesting. Skipping to the end:

      "Godscroft states that Sir James was never married, but Dr. Fraser has discovered that he was married, and left a legitimate son, who fell at Halidon. Archibald the Grim, his natural son, became third Earl of Douglas. Sir James was succeeded by his next brother, Hugh Douglas."


      Sir James Douglas ('The Good')
      c.1286 - 1330

      Freedom fighter. The son of Sir William Douglas (d.1298), who had been a supporter of William Wallace (1274 - 1305), James was sent to France for safety in these dangerous times. He returned in 1306, fighting alongside King Robert I - 'the Bruce' - (1274 - 1329) in the Wars of Independence and having considerable success in south-west Scotland against the English King Edward I (1239 - 1307). He was knighted by Robert at Bannockburn. He became known as the 'Black' Douglas, a name which carried on through one branch of his family. He took Robert's heart for a posthumous crusade against the Moors in Spain, where he died.
    • 1 UID 033E4CE7B159DC42A7E232F93481D2E2B906


      Killed in Battle With the Moors,carrying Robert the Bruce's Heart to Holy Land

      1 UID BA7CE94319244748987F4DF76B3FE97B979F
    • Hush ye, hush ye, do not fret ye,
    • The Black Douglas shall no get ye.
    • The senior branch of the Douglas Family, the Black Douglases trace descent from the early Douglases through their progenitor, William," le Hardi".
    • Sir James, son of William "le Hardi", continued his father's fight for Scottish independence at the side of Robert the Bruce. He fought with Bruce at Methven in 1306 then led a raid on Douglas Castle, his Douglasdale Estate, which had been
      confiscated by the English. Disguised as peasants, Sir James and his men surprised and defeated the English garrison in the battle which has become known as the "Douglas Larder". Once again disguising his men, this time as oxen, he attacked and
      captured Roxburgh Castle. His stealthy and effective means of combat are remembered in a children's bedtime song,
    • Sir James also played a major role in the defeat of the English Army at the Battle of Bannockburn and was one of the signatories of the Declaration of Arbroath, at Arbroath Abbey, in 1320. On the death of Bruce in 1329, Sir James was entrusted
      with the Monarch's heart in order to carry it on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. He was killed fighting the Moors in Spain while on this pilgrimage in 1330.
    • Sir James also played a major role in the defeat of the English Army at the Battle of Bannockburn and was one of the signatories of the Declaration of Arbroath, at Arbroath Abbey, in 1320. On the death of Bruce in 1329, Sir James was entrusted
      with the Monarch's heart in order to carry it on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. He was killed fighting the Moors in Spain while on this pilgrimage in 1330.
    • Sir James, son of William "le Hardi", continued his father's fight for Scottish independence at the side of Robert the Bruce. He fought with Bruce at Methven in 1306 then led a raid on Douglas Castle, his Douglasdale Estate, which had been
      confiscated by the English. Disguised as peasants, Sir James and his men surprised and defeated the English garrison in the battle which has become known as the "Douglas Larder". Once again disguising his men, this time as oxen, he attacked and
      captured Roxburgh Castle. His stealthy and effective means of combat are remembered in a children's bedtime song,
    • As his name would imply, Hugh lacked the mental faculties to manage the Douglas possessions. For this reason, he was forced to renounce his rights. Hugh had no heir, and his his younger brother, Archibald, the first Regent of Scotland, had also been killed at Halidon. The honors passed to the Regent's son William.
    • James continued his father's fight for Scottish independence at the side of Robert "The Bruce". He fought with Bruce at Methven in 1306, then led a raid on Douglas Castle, his Douglasdale Estate, which had been confiscated by the English. Disguised as peasants, Sir James and his men surprised and defeated the English garrison in a battle which became known as the "Douglas Larder". Once again disguising his men, this time as oxen, he attacked and captured Roxburgh Castle.
      Sir James also played a major role in the defeat of the English army at the Battle of Bonnockburn, and was one of the signatories of the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320.
      On the death of Bruce in 1329, Sir James was entrusted with the Monarch's heart in order to carry it on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. He was killed by the Moors during the Battle of Teba, Spain while on this mission in 1330.
      Sir Jame's body and Bruce's heart were returned to Scotland and laid to rest at St. Bride's Church and Melrose Abbey, respectively.
    • James (Sir), called "The Good Sir James", 6th of Douglas; killed inSpain 1330. [Burke's Peerage]

      Sir James Douglas, Lord of Galloway. Known to the Scots as "good SirJames" and to the English as "The Black Douglas," he was, with Wallaceand Bruce, one of the three great heroes of Scottish Independence.[Magna Charta Sureties]

      -------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------
      Copied from "Douglas Family" by Mark Freeman,freepages.genalogy.rootsweb.com/~markfreeman/douglas.html:
      -------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------
      http://www.scotclans.org/history/other/douglas_james.htm includes amajor article on this man.

      "... the "good Sir James,' the friend of Robert Bruce, the mostillustrious member of the Douglas family, and one of the noblest ofthe band of heroes who vindicated the freedom and independence ofScotland against the English arms. The romantic incidents in thecareer of this famous warrior and patriot would fill a volume. On theimprisonment of his father he retired to France, where he spent threeyears, 'exercising himself in all virtuous exercise,' says Godscroft,and 'profited so well that he became the most compleat andbest-accomplished young nobleman in the country or elsewhere.' On thedeath of his father young Douglas returned to Scotland. His paternalestate having been bestowed by King Edward on Lord Clifford, he wasreceived into the household of Lamberton, Bishop of St. Andrews, withwhom he 'counted kin' through his mother. He was residing there whenRobert Bruce assumed the crown in 1305-6, and took up arms against theEnglish invaders. Douglas, who was then only eighteen years of age, onreceiving intelligence of this movement, resolved to repair at once toBruce's standard. According to Barbour, he took this step secretly,though with the knowledge and approval of the patriotic prelate, whorecommended him to provide himself with a suit of armour and to take ahorse from his stables, with a show of force, thus 'robbing the bishopof what he durst not give.' Lesley, Bishop of Ross, however, makes nomention of force, and says Douglas carried a large sum of money fromLamberton to Bruce. He met the future King at Erickstane, near Moffat,on his way to Scone to be crowned, and proferred him his homage andhis services, which were cordially welcomed. From that time onward,until the freedom and independence of the kingdom were fullyestablished, Douglas never left Bruce's side, alike in adversity andprosperity, and was conspicuous both for his valour in battle and hiswisdom in council. He was present at the battle of Methven, where thenewly crowned King was defeated, and narowly escaped being takenprisoner. He was one of the samll band who took refuge, with Bruce andhis Queen and other ladies, in the wilds first of Athole and then ofBreadalbane, where for some time they subsisted on wild berries andthe scanty and precarious produce of fishing and the chase. Barbourmakes especial mention of the exertions of Sir James Douglas toprovide for the wants and to promote the comfort of the ladies."
      The Great Historic Families of Scotland, by James Taylor

      The story continue at length and is quite interesting. Skipping to theend:

      "Godscroft states that Sir James was never married, but Dr. Fraser hasdiscovered that he was married, and left a legitimate son, who fell atHalidon. Archibald the Grim, his natural son, became third Earl ofDouglas. Sir James was succeeded by his next brother, Hugh Douglas."
    • Alias: "The Black" "The /Good"/
      REFN: P2803
      Killed in battle with the Moors in Spain on August 25, 1330 while carrying the heart of Robert the Bruce to the Holy Land.Sir James "The Good" or "The Black Douglas", Lord of Douglas

      Sir James, son of William "le Hardi", continued his father's fight for Scottish independence at the side of Robert the Bruce. He fought with Bruce at Methven in 1306 then led a raid on Douglas Castle, his Douglasdale Estate, which had been confiscated by the English. Disguised as peasants, Sir James and his men surprised and defeated the English garrison in the battle which has become known as the "Douglas Larder". Once again disguising his men, this time as oxen, he attacked and captured Roxburgh Castle. His stealthy and effective means of combat are remembered in a children's bedtime song,

      Hush ye, hush ye, little pet ye,
      Hush ye, hush ye, do not fret ye,
      The Black Douglas shall no get ye.

      Sir James also played a major role in the defeat of the English Army at the Battle of Bannockburn and was one of the signatories of the Declaration of Arbroath, at Arbroath Abbey, in 1320. On the death of Bruce in 1329, Sir James was entrusted with the Monarch's heart in order to carry it on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. He was killed fighting the Moors in Spain while on this pilgrimage in 1330.

      Sir James "The Good" or "The Black Douglas", Lord of Douglas

      Sir James, son of William "le Hardi", continued his father's fight for Scottish independence at the side of Robert the Bruce. He fought with Bruce at Methven in 1306 then led a raid on Douglas Castle, his Douglasdale Estate, which had been confiscated by the English. Disguised as peasants, Sir James and his men surprised and defeated the English garrison in the battle which has become known as the "Douglas Larder". Once again disguising his men, this time as oxen, he attacked and captured Roxburgh Castle. His stealthy and effective means of combat are remembered in a children's bedtime song,

      Hush ye, hush ye, little pet ye,
      Hush ye, hush ye, do not fret ye,
      The Black Douglas shall no get ye.

      Sir James also played a major role in the defeat of the English Army at the Battle of Bannockburn and was one of the signatories of the Declaration of Arbroath, at Arbroath Abbey, in 1320. On the death of Bruce in 1329, Sir James was entrusted with the Monarch's heart in order to carry it on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. He was killed fighting the Moors in Spain while on this pilgrimage in 1330.

      Sir James' body and Bruce's heart were returned to Scotland and laid to rest at St. Bride's Church and Melrose Abbey, respectively.

      Lord Douglas; 2nd Earl of Douglas and Mar ; "The Good Sir James" ; Known to the Scots as "good Sir James" and to the English as "the Black Douglas", along with Wallace and Bruce, one of the three great heroes of Scottish Independence.

      http://www.scotclans.org/history/other/douglas_james.htm
      includes a major article on this man.
      "... the "good Sir James,' the friend of Robert Bruce, the most illustrious member of the Douglas family, and one of the noblest of the band of heroes who vindicated the freedom and independence of Scotland against the English arms. The romantic incidents in the career of this famous warrior and patriot would fill a volume. On the imprisonment of his father he retired to France, where he spent three years, 'exercising himself in all virtuous exercise,' says Godscroft, and 'profited so well that he became the most compleat and best-accomplished young nobleman in the country or elsewhere.' On the death of his father young Douglas returned to Scotland. His paternal estate having been bestowed by King Edward on Lord Clifford, he was received into the household of Lamberton, Bishop of St. Andrews, with whom he 'counted kin' through his mother. He was residing there when Robert Bruce assumed the crown in 1305-6, and took up arms against the English invaders. Douglas, who was then only eighteen years of age, on receiving intelligence of this movement, resolved to repair at once to Bruce's standard. According to Barbour, he took this step secretly, though with the knowledge and approval of the patriotic prelate, who recommended him to provide himself with a suit of armour and to take a horse from his stables, with a show of force, thur 'robbing the bishop of what he durst not give.' Lesley, Bishop of Ross, however, makes no mention of force, and says Douglas carried a large sum of money from Lamberton to Bruce. He met the future King at Erickstane, near Moffat, on his way to Sconeto be crowned, and proferred him his homage and his services, which were cordially welcomed. From that time onward, until the freedom and independence of the kingdom were fully established, Douglas never left Bruce's side, alike in adversity and prosperity, and was conspicuous both for his valour in battle and his wisdom in council. He was present at the battle of Methven, where the newly crownedKing was defeated, and narowly escaped being taken prisoner. He was one of the samll band who took refuge, with Bruce and his Queen and other ladies, in the wilds first of Athole and then of Breadalbane, where for some time they subsisted on wild berries and the scanty and precarious produce of fishing and the chase. Barbour makes especial mention of the exertions of Sir James Douglas to provide for the wants and to promote the comfort of the ladies."
      The Great Historic Families of Scotland, by James Taylor

      The story continue at length and is quite interesting. Skipping to the end:

      "Godscroft states that Sir James was never married, but Dr. Fraser has discovered that he was married, and left a legitimate son, who fell at Halidon. Archibald the Grim, his natural son, became third Earl of Douglas. Sir James was succeeded by his next brother, Hugh Douglas."

      Sir James Douglas ('The Good')
      c.1286 - 1330

      Freedom fighter. The son of Sir William Douglas (d.1298), who had been a supporter of William Wallace (1274 - 1305), James was sent to France for safety in these dangerous times. He returned in 1306,fighting alongside King Robert I - 'the Bruce' - (1274 - 1329) in the Wars of Independence and having considerable success in south-west Scotland against the English King Edward I (1239 - 1307). He was knighted by Robert at Bannockburn. He became known as the 'Black' Douglas, a name which carried on through one branch of his family. He took Robert's heart for a posthumous crusade against the Moors in Spain, where he died.
    • Alias: "The Black" "The /Good"/
      REFN: P2803
      Killed in battle with the Moors in Spain on August 25, 1330 while carrying the heart of Robert the Bruce to the Holy Land.Sir James "The Good" or "The Black Douglas", Lord of Douglas

      Sir James, son of William "le Hardi", continued his father's fight for Scottish independence at the side of Robert the Bruce. He fought with Bruce at Methven in 1306 then led a raid on Douglas Castle, his Douglasdale Estate, which had been confiscated by the English. Disguised as peasants, Sir James and his men surprised and defeated the English garrison in the battle which has become known as the "Douglas Larder". Once again disguising his men, this time as oxen, he attacked and captured Roxburgh Castle. His stealthy and effective means of combat are remembered in a children's bedtime song,

      Hush ye, hush ye, little pet ye,
      Hush ye, hush ye, do not fret ye,
      The Black Douglas shall no get ye.

      Sir James also played a major role in the defeat of the English Army at the Battle of Bannockburn and was one of the signatories of the Declaration of Arbroath, at Arbroath Abbey, in 1320. On the death of Bruce in 1329, Sir James was entrusted with the Monarch's heart in order to carry it on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. He was killed fighting the Moors in Spain while on this pilgrimage in 1330.

      Sir James "The Good" or "The Black Douglas", Lord of Douglas

      Sir James, son of William "le Hardi", continued his father's fight for Scottish independence at the side of Robert the Bruce. He fought with Bruce at Methven in 1306 then led a raid on Douglas Castle, his Douglasdale Estate, which had been confiscated by the English. Disguised as peasants, Sir James and his men surprised and defeated the English garrison in the battle which has become known as the "Douglas Larder". Once again disguising his men, this time as oxen, he attacked and captured Roxburgh Castle. His stealthy and effective means of combat are remembered in a children's bedtime song,

      Hush ye, hush ye, little pet ye,
      Hush ye, hush ye, do not fret ye,
      The Black Douglas shall no get ye.

      Sir James also played a major role in the defeat of the English Army at the Battle of Bannockburn and was one of the signatories of the Declaration of Arbroath, at Arbroath Abbey, in 1320. On the death of Bruce in 1329, Sir James was entrusted with the Monarch's heart in order to carry it on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. He was killed fighting the Moors in Spain while on this pilgrimage in 1330.

      Sir James' body and Bruce's heart were returned to Scotland and laid to rest at St. Bride's Church and Melrose Abbey, respectively.

      Lord Douglas; 2nd Earl of Douglas and Mar ; "The Good Sir James" ; Known to the Scots as "good Sir James" and to the English as "the Black Douglas", along with Wallace and Bruce, one of the three great heroes of Scottish Independence.

      http://www.scotclans.org/history/other/douglas_james.htm
      includes a major article on this man.
      "... the "good Sir James,' the friend of Robert Bruce, the most illustrious member of the Douglas family, and one of the noblest of the band of heroes who vindicated the freedom and independence of Scotland against the English arms. The romantic incidents in the career of this famous warrior and patriot would fill a volume. On the imprisonment of his father he retired to France, where he spent three years, 'exercising himself in all virtuous exercise,' says Godscroft, and 'profited so well that he became the most compleat and best-accomplished young nobleman in the country or elsewhere.' On the death of his father young Douglas returned to Scotland. His paternal estate having been bestowed by King Edward on Lord Clifford, he was received into the household of Lamberton, Bishop of St. Andrews, with whom he 'counted kin' through his mother. He was residing there when Robert Bruce assumed the crown in 1305-6, and took up arms against the English invaders. Douglas, who was then only eighteen years of age, on receiving intelligence of this movement, resolved to repair at once to Bruce's standard. According to Barbour, he took this step secretly, though with the knowledge and approval of the patriotic prelate, who recommended him to provide himself with a suit of armour and to take a horse from his stables, with a show of force, thur 'robbing the bishop of what he durst not give.' Lesley, Bishop of Ross, however, makes no mention of force, and says Douglas carried a large sum of money from Lamberton to Bruce. He met the future King at Erickstane, near Moffat, on his way to Sconeto be crowned, and proferred him his homage and his services, which were cordially welcomed. From that time onward, until the freedom and independence of the kingdom were fully established, Douglas never left Bruce's side, alike in adversity and prosperity, and was conspicuous both for his valour in battle and his wisdom in council. He was present at the battle of Methven, where the newly crownedKing was defeated, and narowly escaped being taken prisoner. He was one of the samll band who took refuge, with Bruce and his Queen and other ladies, in the wilds first of Athole and then of Breadalbane, where for some time they subsisted on wild berries and the scanty and precarious produce of fishing and the chase. Barbour makes especial mention of the exertions of Sir James Douglas to provide for the wants and to promote the comfort of the ladies."
      The Great Historic Families of Scotland, by James Taylor

      The story continue at length and is quite interesting. Skipping to the end:

      "Godscroft states that Sir James was never married, but Dr. Fraser has discovered that he was married, and left a legitimate son, who fell at Halidon. Archibald the Grim, his natural son, became third Earl of Douglas. Sir James was succeeded by his next brother, Hugh Douglas."

      Sir James Douglas ('The Good')
      c.1286 - 1330

      Freedom fighter. The son of Sir William Douglas (d.1298), who had been a supporter of William Wallace (1274 - 1305), James was sent to France for safety in these dangerous times. He returned in 1306,fighting alongside King Robert I - 'the Bruce' - (1274 - 1329) in the Wars of Independence and having considerable success in south-west Scotland against the English King Edward I (1239 - 1307). He was knighted by Robert at Bannockburn. He became known as the 'Black' Douglas, a name which carried on through one branch of his family. He took Robert's heart for a posthumous crusade against the Moors in Spain, where he died.
    • Sir James "the Good" Douglas
      http://trees.ancestry.com/rd?f=document&guid=26747a46-52dc-4ea2-bf98-1d3c7bb9135c&tid=3504879&pid=-1352042407
      Black Douglas
      http://trees.ancestry.com/rd?f=document&guid=1d068d78-19be-4c62-a6bf-925b5e2ab651&tid=3504879&pid=-1352042407
    Person ID I6000000000701222091  Ancestors of Donald Ross
    Last Modified 13 Mar 2021 

    Father William “le Hardi” Douglas, Lord of Douglas,   b. Abt 1255, Castle, Lanarkshire Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 24 Jan 1298, Died while a prisoner in the Tower of London, Middlesex, Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age ~ 43 years) 
    Mother Elizabeth Stewart of Crawford,   b. 1250,   d. Nov 1288  (Age 38 years) 
    Married Abt 1276 
    Family ID F6000000003517939029  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

    Children 
     1. Archibald Douglas,   b. Abt 1325,   d. Abt 24 Dec 1400, Threave Castle Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age ~ 75 years)
    Last Modified 14 Mar 2021 
    Family ID F6000000044220240008  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart