Murdoch Stewart, Duke of Albany
Murdoch Stewart, Duke of Albany was a leading Scottish nobleman, the son of Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany, and the grandson of King Robert II of Scotland, who founded the Stewart dynasty. In 1389, he became Justiciar North of the Forth. In 1402, he was captured at the Battle of Homildon Hill and would spend 12 years in captivity in England.
Detail from the seal of Murdoch Stewart
Seal of Murdoch's father, Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany.
Murdoch's half-brother, John Stewart, Earl of Buchan, victor of the Battle of Bauge.
The Battle of Verneuil, where Albany's brother John Stewart, Earl of Buchan was killed and his army totally annihilated by the English.
Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany
Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany was a member of the Scottish royal family who served as regent to three Scottish monarchs. A ruthless politician, Albany was widely regarded as having murdered his nephew, the Duke of Rothesay, and brother to the future King James I of Scotland. James was held in captivity in England for eighteen years, during which time Albany served as regent in Scotland, king in all but name. He died in 1420 and was succeeded by his son, Murdoch Stewart, Duke of Albany, who was executed for treason when James returned to Scotland in 1425, almost causing the complete ruin of the Albany Stewarts.
Lithograph of the reverse of the 1413 seal of Robert Stewart as Governor of Scotland
Doune Castle, built by Stewart, still stands today.
Falkland Palace, where Robert Stewart's nephew, the Duke of Rothesay, died in mysterious circumstances.
Site of the Battle of Harlaw, where in 1411 Donald McDonald, 2nd Lord of the Isles fought the Stewarts to a bloody standstill.