John of Strathbogie, Earl of Atholl

John of Strathbogie (c. 1266 - 7 November 1306)[1] was warden and Justiciary of Scotland.

Early years and family

John was born in Atholl, Perthshire, Scotland around 1266.[1] He was the son of David I Strathbogie, Earl of Atholl (d. 1270), by his spouse Isabel, daughter of Richard de Dover, Baron of Chilham, Kent. John de Strathbogie first appears on record as his father's son and heir in 1282. He was a great-great-grandson of King John of England.

Life and military service

In 1284, he joined with other Scottish noblemen who acknowledged Margaret of Norway as the heir to King Alexander.[2] In 1296, he fought on the Scottish side at the Battle of Dunbar, where he was captured and sent to the Tower of London. After a year's confinement there he was set free on condition that he served King Edward I of England in Flanders.

He did homage for his manor of Lesnes, Kent, in 1305 but subsequently returned to Scotland, and in 1306 joined Robert the Bruce in his rebellion against English overlordship, and his English possessions were forfeited. He took part in the coronation of The Bruce in that year.

Execution

In the subsequent English invasion of Scotland in 1306, he was taken prisoner at the Battle of Methven. John, Earl of Atholl, was hanged in London, Middlesex, England on 7 November 1306, on a gallows 30 feet higher than ordinary. This was to signify his higher status than his fellow prisoners, no earl had been executed in England for 230 years. His body was burnt and his head fixed on London Bridge.[3]

Marriage and children

John married Marjory (also known as Margaret),[3] daughter of Donald, 6th Earl of Mar.[3] They had two sons and a daughter:

References

  1. 1 2 "Ancestors and/or relations of John DE STRATHBOGIE 9th Earl of Atholl". Retrieved 5 November 2011.
  2. Foedera, p228
  3. 1 2 3 4 Lewis, Marlyn. "John of Strathbogie, 9th Earl Atholl". Our Royal, Titled, Noble, and Commoner Ancestors & Cousins. Retrieved 5 November 2011.
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