James Douglas Biography

Birth of James Douglas, son of the 1st Lord Douglas

Commands the left wing

Defeats an army under the Archbishop of York

Nearly captures Edward III

Douglas's wartime victories are confirmed by diplomatic settlement

Douglas sees Bruce's military gains confirmed by treaty

Douglas supports the peace after long service in the independence war

The Scots begin attacks on both the western and eastern marches, taking advantage of growing divisions between the Percies and the Nevilles, the English wardens

Albany sends Earl Douglas to lay waste the Bishopric of Durham, which he achieves

Commands 2000 archers and 400 men-at-arms to Newcastle and the north-east

After leaving Newcastle Douglas moves in a north-westerly direction, making for the valley of the River Rede, intending to take the same route back to Scotland by which he had entered England

After leaving Newcastle Douglas moves in a north-westerly direction, making for the valley of the River Rede, intending to take the same route back to Scotland by which he had entered England

Death of James Douglas, killed at the Battle of Otterburn, the body of Douglas is taken back to Scotland and buried with all honour beside that of his father at Melrose Abbey

Death of James Douglas, killed at the Battle of Otterburn, the body of Douglas is taken back to Scotland and buried with all honour beside that of his father at Melrose Abbey

Death of James Douglas, killed at the Battle of Otterburn, the body of Douglas is taken back to Scotland and buried with all honour beside that of his father at Melrose Abbey

Several ballads are later composed in its honour including the Battle of Otterburn and the Ballad of Chevy Chase

War between the Scots and English turned into a feud between the Douglases & Percys. Several ballads are later composed in its honour including the Battle of Otterburn and the Ballad of Chevy Chase. James Douglas has his body hidden in a bush from the English & wins the battle

The Bishop of Durham was on his way from Newcastle with 2000 cavalry and 5000 infantry, they arrive at Ponteland, where they meet groups of men fleeing from battle, which forces the Scots to retire

The Bishop of Durham was on his way from Newcastle with 2000 cavalry and 5000 infantry, they arrive at Ponteland, where they meet groups of men fleeing from battle, which forces the Scots to retire

Birth of James Douglas, son of Eighth Earl Douglas

Burns Stirling in revenge for the assassination of his brother William by James II

James Douglas, later 4th Earl of Morton, is born as the second son of Sir George Douglas of Pittendriech.

Marries Elizabeth, daughter of James Douglas, 3rd Earl of Morton

James Douglas succeeds to the title and estates of his father-in-law

Appointed Privy Councillor during Mary's personal rule

Morton becomes Lord Chancellor under Mary Queen of Scots

Appointed Lord High Chancellor, serves Mary Queen of Scots

Sends a message to obtain Queen Marys signature to the "bond of security" after the assassination of Rizzio. Heads an armed force which takes possession of Holyrood palace to effect the assassination of Rizzio

Mary escapes to Dunbar, and Morton and the other leaders fled to England

Present at the conference at Carberry Hill

Having been pardoned, Morton returns to Scotland and with 600 men appears before Borthwick Castle, where the Queen after her marriage with Bothwell had taken refuge

Takes an active part in obtaining the consent of the Queen at Lochleven to an abdication

Mary & her escort rides off, eventually arriving at Dundrennan Abbey in Dumfriesshire, some sixty miles to the south & from here she leaves for England, never to see Scotland again. Leads an army which defeats Mary Queen of Scots

Models the Scottish Church on the Church of England at the Kirk General Assembly

The King is to be Governor of the Realm & protector of the Church

The King is to be Governor of the Realm & protector of the Church

Charged by Esme Stuart of complicity in the death of Lord Darnley

Charged by Esme Stuart of complicity in the death of Lord Darnley

Birth of James Douglas

Queensberry opens the Scottish parliamentary session as Anne's commissioner.

Appointed Fellow of the Royal Society

Appointed Fellow of the Royal Society

Death of James Douglas