James Douglas
(9th Earl of Douglas)

1426 - 1488

The last Earl of Douglas and leader of the powerful 'Black Douglases'. He succeeded to the Earldom when his brother, William (c.1425 - 1452), was murdered by King James II (1430-60) at Stirling Castle. Douglas took revenge against the crown, sacking Stirling and renouncing King James. However, James retaliated and proceeded to destroy the Douglas castles, including Threave. Douglas escaped to England, leaving his brothers to fight a decisive battle at Arkinholm near Langholm, where they were routed. He remained an exile even when King James III (1452 - 88) succeeded his father, but attacked Lochmaben (1484) where he was captured. He was imprisoned in Lindores Abbey, where he died.

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