James Douglas
(The Black Douglas)
1286–1330
Sir James Douglas, better known as "The Black Douglas" was the most faithful servant of Robert the
Bruce during the Scottish Wars of Independence. His father had served under William Wallace
and after the Battle of Falkirk his lands had been confiscated and he died in an
English prison. James himself had been sent to France for safety. He returned to Scotland
the same year that Robert the Bruce killed his rival Red Comyn and had himself crowned king.
Douglas, lacking any estate to return to, threw in his entire lot with Bruce and shared all
his fortunes. He shared his hardships during the early years, as he hid from the army of Edward I.,
he helped Bruce recover Scottish lands from the English after the death of Edward I, and he
fought with him at Bannockburn.
 |
DON'T BE SO SURE ABOUT THAT! |
After Bannockburn Bruce and his brother left to try to raise a rebellion against the English
in Ireland. Douglas, on the other hand, stayed to fight a border war with England in
the area known as the "Marches" or Northumberland. The Douglases became notorious in
later years as boarder raiders, and frequently launched raiding parties deep in
English territory. It is from this period that his nickname, "the Black Douglas" arose.
His name was a terror to all Englishmen.
Douglas continued to fight for Scotland on behalf of Bruce, and in his spare time, to torment
the English. Eight years after his defeat at Bannockburn, Edward II launched another
campaign in Scotland but was soundly repulsed. Douglas continued his border raids even after
Edward was deposed in favor of his son. When Robert the Bruce died, he requested that his
heart be carried to the holy land and buried in Jerusalem, and Douglas was appointed for this
mission. Instead of going to the holy lands, however, they were called to serve in the
wars in Spain, as the Christians there sought to reconquer their lands from the Moslems.
Douglas was killed in battle while fighting in Spain.
Key events during the life of Black Douglas:
Year |
Event |
1286 |
Birth of James Douglas to Sir William Douglas, a supporter of William Wallace. |
1298 |
Sent to France for safety after the Battle of Falkirk. |
1306 |
Returned to Scotland, estates were confiscated. Joined forces with Robert Bruce. |
1307 |
Attacked the English garrison in Douglas castle. |
1307 |
Death of Edward I. |
|
With Robert Bruce, take back most of Scottish territory controlled by English. |
1314 |
Second in command at Battle of Bannockburn. |
|
Conducts border raids in the "marches" and border areas. |
1318 |
Captured Berkwick from the English. |
1322 |
Edward II, campaigns in Scotland and is driven back. |
1327 |
Edward II is deposed. Douglas resumes border raids of England. |
1330 |
Death of the Black Douglas while crusading against Moslems in Spain. |
Other Resources
Contemporary |
Short Biography |
Robert the Bruce |
Scottish nobleman who claimed the crown and led resistance to England at Bannockburn. |
Edward I |
Competent and decisive king of England. Reformed government, pacified Wales and Scotland. Ruled 35 years. |
Edward II |
Weak and profligate son of Edward I. Lost all his father's holdings in Scotland. |