Douglas

The Douglases are an old and famed Scottish clan, whose origins are untraceable. The first bearer of the name was William de Duglas, recorded in 1175 and 1199, whose sons are associated with the Province of Moray.

The Douglases aided Scotland in her fight for independence, and the 'Good Sir James' died whilst carrying Robert the Bruce's heart to the Holy Land at the hands of the Moors in Spain.

Archibald, the 6th Earl was in rebellion to King James V and kept the king prisoner for three years. The earldom of Douglas was eventually forfeited in 1455 when James, 9th Earl deserted the Scottish cause, but William, 11th Earl of Angus was created Marquis of Douglas in 1633. Archibald, 3rd Marquis was created Duke of Douglas in 1703 but unfortunately died without any heirs, and all his titles apart from the dukedom, passed to 7th Duke of Hamilton.