Archibald Douglas, 3rd Earl of Douglas
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Archibald Douglas, 3rd Earl of Douglas (c. 1328-1400), known as 'the Grim', was a Scottish nobleman. A cousin of William Douglas, 1st Earl of Douglas, he inherited the earldom of Douglas and its entailed estates following the death without issue of the 2nd Earl.
With his cousin, he had fought at Poitiers, where he was taken prisoner, but was released through ignorance of his real rank. On his return to Scotland he became constable and sheriff of Edinburgh, and, later, warden of the western marches, where his position was strengthened by his becoming Lord of Galloway in 1369, and by his purchase of the earldom of Wigtown in 1372. He further increased his estates by his marriage with Joan Moray, heiress of Bothwell.
During the intervals of war with the English he imposed feudal law on the border chieftains, drawing up a special code for the marches. He was twice sent on missions to the French court. The power of the Black Douglas overshadowed the crown under the weak rule of Robert III, and in 1399 he arranged a marriage between David Stewart, Duke of Rothesay, the king's son and heir, and his own daughter, Marjory Douglas. Rothesay was already contracted to marry Elizabeth Dunbar, daughter of the earl of March, who had paid a large sum for the honour. March, alienated from his allegiance by this breach of faith on the king's part, now joined the English forces.
He died at Threave Castle, around christmas 1400, and was buried at Bothwell.
Marriage and issue
Around 1362 Douglas married Joan Moray, daughter of Maurice Moray, 1st Earl of Strathearn. They had four children.
Archibald Douglas, who succeeded as 4th earl
James Douglas, later the 7th earl
William Douglas
Marjory Douglas, married David Stewart, Duke of Rothesay