Alexander Stewart of Bonkyll

Not to be confused with Alexander Stewart, 4th High Steward of Scotland.

Alexander Stewart of Bonkyll (died 1319) was a Scottish nobleman. He was a son of John Stewart of Bonkyll and father of John Stewart, 1st Earl of Angus.

Family

Alexander was the first cousin of Walter the Steward and Sir James Douglas two of the most important commanders during the First War of Scottish Independence. He was also brother-in-law of Thomas Randolph, 1st Earl of Moray, nephew of Robert I of Scotland.

Life

His father had been one of the strongest supporters of the exiled John Balliol and was killed at the Battle of Falkirk. After the disaster at Falkirk William Wallace resigned as Guardian of Scotland and was replaced by John Comyn, nephew of the exiled Balliol. After Comyn achieved some notable success fighting against the English a quarrel broke out between Comyn and his rival Robert the Bruce over their competing rights to the throne. During a meeting between the two sides at Dumfries in 1306, Comyn was fatally stabbed by Bruce and his supporters and the War of Independence now became a civil war. Because of his fathers long allegiance to King John, Alexander fought under John MacDougall of Lorn against Bruce but was captured by his cousin James Douglas in 1308 and was given a royal pardon. He died circa 1319.

See also

Bonkyl Kirk