Murdoch Stewart, Duke of Albany

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Murdoch Stewart Muireadhach Sdíbhard
Duke of Albany

Reign	1420 – May 24, 1425
Died	May 24, 1425
Predecessor	Robert Stewart
Royal House	Albany Stewart
Father	Robert Stewart
Mother	Margaret Graham, Countess of Menteith

Murdoch Stewart, Duke of Albany (1362 – 24 May 1425) was a Scottish nobleman who inherited the Dukedom of Albany in 1420, but was convicted and executed for treason five years later. Together with the dukedom, he also inherited the Earldom of Fife and the Earldom of Menteith. His father, Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany was a prominent Scottish nobleman who was regent in various capacities during the reigns of three kings (Robert II, Robert III, and James I).

Murdoch evidently served as Justiciar North of the Forth around 1389, then served in some military actions against the English in the early 15th century. He was captured in 1402 by the English, but was traded for Henry Percy, 2nd Earl of Northumberland. Although Murdoch inherited his father's peerages and regency position in 1420, when James I returned to Scotland in 1424 he lost his position as regent.

In 1425 the king carried out a purge of the Albany Stewarts, and he was executed along with several members of his family and close associates; all of his peerage titles became attainted and were forfeited.

[edit] Marriage and children

Murdoch was married to Isabella, daughter of Donnchadh, Earl of Lennox. They had four sons:

Robert Stewart (d. 1421)
Walter Stewart (d. 1425)
Alasdair Stewart (d. 1425)
James the Fat (Seamas Mòr) Stewart (d. 1451)

Preceded by Robert Stewart	Duke of Albany 1420 – 1425	Succeeded by Forfeit, next held by Alexander Stewart, 1st Duke of Albany
Preceded by Robert Stewart	Earl of Fife 1420 – 1425	Succeeded by Forfeit, next held by Alexander Duff, 1st Duke of Fife
Preceded by Margaret, Countess of Menteith	Earl of Menteith 1420 – 1425	Succeeded by Forfeit, next held by Malise Graham, 1st Earl of Menteith