Overview of Thomas Randolph

Regent and soldier. The son of Thomas Randolph of Nithsdale, Randolph was a nephew of Robert the Bruce (1274 - 1329). He attended Bruce's coronation in 1306, but later the same year was captured by the English and helped Edward I search for Bruce. However, caught and imprisoned by 'The Good' Sir James Douglas (c.1286 - 1330), Randolph's loyalties transferred to Bruce once again. In 1314, he recaptured Edinburgh Castle from the English by climbing its walls at night and fought alongside Bruce against Edward II at Bannockburn. Between 1315-19 Randolph accompanied Bruce on military expeditions to Ireland and invaded Northern England, taking Berwick and laying waste to towns as far south as York. After Bruce's death, Randolph acted as Regent to the young King David II (1324-71).

He died in Musselburgh. Randolph was the father of Black Agnes, Countess of Dunbar (born c.1300).