Sir Archibald Douglas
(c. 1296 - 7/19/1333)
Sir Archibald Douglas was born circa 1296 to Sir William the Hardy Douglas and Eleanor de Lovaine of Groby. He was half-brother to one of Scotland’s most legendary figures, the Good Sir James Douglas, who served as a trusted aide to King Robert the Bruce. Sir Archibald would support Sir James throughout his life in numerous military excursions into England during the Scottish wars for independence.
The Douglas family had long maintained a stronghold in the disputed border region of Northumberland England. King David I of Scotland had established a castle at Berwick-Upon-Tweed during the 12th century. A number of governors occupied the castle throughout its illustrious history, including Sir Archibald.
Berwick-Upon-Tweed
Northumberland, England
Sir Archibald would marry Beatrice de Lindsay, daughter of Sir Alexander de Lindsay of Crawford, South Lanarkshire, circa 1316. Together, the couple had the following documented issue, although it is highly likely that there were several other offspring:
a) John (b. ca. 1317)
b) William, 1st Earl of Douglas (c. 1323 – 5/1/1384)
c) Eleanor (b. ca. 1325)
While not presently available within the historical record, at some point, Sir Archibald came into possession of the properties of Terregles and Drumlanrig in Dumfriesshire, and Cavers in Roxburghshire. In 1320, Sir Alexander appeared on a land charter issued by King Robert for properties in Morebattle, Roxburghshire, and Kirkandrews, Dumfriesshire. Later, in 1324, He was granted properties in Crimond and Rattray, Buchan, and Conveth, Kincardineshire.
During the First War of Scottish Independence, Sir Archibald, under the leadership of his brother, the Good Sir James, participated in the Battle of Stanhope Park in August of 1327. The English, under the leadership of King Edward III, had established a
Map of Dumfriesshire and
Surrounding Region, Scotland
fortification at Weardale, Durham, England. In a bold evening attack, Sir James, supported by approximately 500 cavalry (including Sir Archibald), surprised English forces and inflicted hundreds of casualties. During the melee, King Edward III's private tent was breached by Scottish forces, thereby forcing Edward's narrow escape. Sir James and Sir Archibald would return to Scotland after the engagement.
Seal of the Guardians of the
Realm of Scotland
Sir Archibald would continue to participate in border raids and become well-known throughout Scotland. In 1333, Sir Archibald was named a Guardian of Scotland during the reign of David II (at this time, still a boy and unable to assume formal leadership of the country), son of Robert the Bruce. The Guardians of Scotland served as political advisers for the country, and provided pivotal leadership during times of national crisis. Sir Archibald would remain a Gaurdian until his death in battle later that year.
Supported by King Edward III of England, Edward Baliol, the son of King John of Scotland, invaded Scotland during the Second War of Scottish Independence. King John had ruled Scotland for a mere four years (1292-1296), and was appointed by nobles loyal to King Edward I of England. King John was quickly deposed, but his son, Edward, maintained a desire to reclaim the thrown for his own ends.
In 1332, Baliol defeated Scottish forces during the Battle of Dupplin Moor. Employing the element of surprise and a barrage of arrows from hundreds of skilled archers, Baliol's forces inflicted heavy losses upon the Scots, and enabled him to claim victory, and eventually be crowned king at Scone.
Baliol's attempt to secure the thrown of Scotland was very unpopular. In response, Scottish forces led by Sir Archibald Douglas mounted a surprise attack upon Baliol's troops during the Battle of Annan. Douglas' forces routed Baliol and forced his retreat to England.
On July 19, Edward III's troops reached Halidon Hill near Berwick, Northumberland. English forces had been assailing Berwick, so tensions between Scottish defenders and the English were at a fever pitch. Sir Archibald, familiar with this region and in command of a force of Scottish troops, attacked English forces at Halidon Hill on 7/19/1333. With the benefit of well-trained archers, English troops eventually defeated the Scottish army. Sir Archibald would perish during the conflict. Following the battle, the town of Berwick surrendered to British forces.
To date, historians remain uncertain as to the location of Sir Archibald's remains, although it is likely that his body was returned to the Douglas stronghold at Drumlanrig for burial.