The Black Douglases: War and Lordship in Late Medieval Scotland, 1300-1455

Name: The Black Douglases: War and Lordship in Late Medieval Scotland, 1300-1455
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4.8 of 5 Stars: Genealogy - The Black Douglases: War and Lordship in Late Medieval Scotland, 1300-1455

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Book Synopsis: During the century and a half of their power the Black Douglases earned fame as Scotland’s champions in the front line of war against England. On their shields they bore the bloody heart of Robert Bruce, the symbol of their claim to be the physical protectors of the hero-king’s legacy. But others saw the power of these lords and earls of Douglas in a different light. To their critics the Douglases were a force for disorder in the kingdom, lawless, arrogant and violent, whose power rested on coercion and whose defiance of kings and guardians ultimately provoked James II into slaying the Douglas earl with his own hand.

Michael Brown analyses the rise and fall of this family as the dominant magnates of the south, from the deeds of the Good Sir James Douglas in the service of Bruce to the violent destruction of the Douglas earls in the 1450s. Alongside this study of the accumulation and loss of power by one of the great noble houses, The Black Douglases includes a series of thematic examinations of the nature of aristocratic power. In particular, these emphasise the link between warfare and political power in southern Scotland during the fourteenth century. For the Black Douglases, war was not just a patriotic duty but the means to power and fame in Scotland and across Europe.

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Discover the gripping tales and turbulent history of the Black Douglases, Scotland's fearless champions in the face of English aggression. Immerse yourself in their legacy as physical protectors of Robert Bruce's heroic reign. Uncover a story of power, fame, and brutal downfall in Michael Brown's captivating book, The Black Douglases: War and Lordship in Late Medieval Scotland, 1300-1455.

Step into a world where strength on the battlefield was revered, and the Douglas family reigned supreme. Witness their rise to dominance, from the valiant feats of the Good Sir James Douglas fighting alongside Bruce, to the tumultuous events leading to the very downfall of the Douglas earls. Brown's meticulous research offers a vivid portrayal of this great noble house and its enduring impact on southern Scotland.

But The Black Douglases goes beyond a mere historical account—it delves deep into the nature of aristocratic power. Explore the interconnectedness between warfare and political influence in fourteenth-century Scotland. Uncover the nuances of aristocratic power dynamics, where war was not just a duty but a path towards fame and control, not only in Scotland but across Europe.

Don't miss out on this captivating journey into the heart of Scottish history. Let the powerful accounts and expert analysis within The Black Douglases transport you to a time of knights, kings, and fierce battles. Indulge in this thoroughly researched narrative that unveils the true nature of the Black Douglases, their triumphs, their struggles, and their inevitable demise.

Experience the saga of the Black Douglases today and understand the true complexities of power, loyalty, and rebellion. Take a step into the past through this gripping narrative - it's a must-read for history enthusiasts and anyone seeking an immersive adventure.

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