King Robert II

On the death of King David II in 1371 the throne went to his nephew the first Stewart King Robert II. Born in 1316 Robert was 55 years old when he came to the throne. He was at the Battle of Neville’s Cross in 1346 but managed to evade capture and cross back in to Scotland. Robert II’s reign was mostly successful with most of the lands held by England on the Scottish border being recovered. His reign was also marked by the continuing economic recovery from the setbacks of the fourteenth century. King Robert II died in 1390 and was buried in Scone.

                                       King Robert III

Originally named John Stewart, he came to the throne on the death of his father Robert II in 1390. Two years before that in 1388 he had been badly injured in an accident which greatly reduced his ability to provide effective rule. This was acerbated by the ambitions of his younger brother Robert, Duke of Albany. This led to power passing to his elder son, the Duke of Rothesay and to the Duke of Albany,  However Albany imprisoned David, Duke of Rothsay where he died in suspicious circumstances in 1402. Robert III’s younger son James was now seen to be under direct threat and at the age of eleven in 1406 it was decided to send him to France. The vessel was captured by English pirates and he was handed over to the King of England, Henry IV. On hearing this news King Robert III died.

                            Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany

During James I’s eighteen year captivity in England Scotland was ruled by his uncle, Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany. Though he was styled as Regent, he was in reality king who made little effort to secure the release of his nephew, James I from England. Albany made a serious error in attempting to get his second son John made the Earl of Ross despite the better claim to it of Donald Macdonald, Lord of the Isles. In 1411Donald led a large army to try and take back the earldom and fought the savage Battle of Harlaw, known in Scottish history as ‘Red Harlaw’ on account of the scale of the losses on both sides. The Duke of Albany was forced to back down and Donald Macdonald became the Earl of Ross. However Albany was more successful in providing aid to his French allies who were facing total defeat in their ongoing struggle with Henry V, King of England. An army was sent to France in 1419 under John, Earl of Buchan and the Earl of Wigtown. Known as the ‘Army of Scotland in France’ it had a dramatic effect on the course of the war.

                                      The Battle of Bauge

In 1421 Henry V’s younger brother Thomas, Duke of Clarence led a destructive raid known as a ‘Chevauchee’ through Northern France. On reaching the area of the town of Vieil-Bauge Clarence learnt that a large enemy force was nearby. However he had sent off his archer force to plunder the surrounding countryside but in stead of waiting for their return he decided to attack the enemy force immediately.  Clarence underestimated the size of the Franco-Scottish army in front of him and attacked an army of 4000 Scots and 1000 French with his men at arms. a force of 1500. The English men-at arms attempted to cross a bridge but were held there until the rest of the Franco-Scottish army arrived. In the ensuing melee the English army was routed and the Duke of Clarence killed.

                              The Return of King James I

In 1420 Albany died and was succeeded by his son, Murdoch Stewart as regent. In 1425 King James I returned to Scotland and launched a fierce attack on the Albany Stewarts. Murdoch, the new Duke of Albany was executed for treason along with most of his family. All of the Albany Stewart’s lands were subsequently seized by the crown. King James I ruled until 1437.