Sir James Douglas, 'The Good Sir James'

Knight
Bannockburn Scottish (Light) Side

Available only with complete set

A young knight, son of William, Lord of Douglas who had died in the Tower of London in 1299 as Edward's prisoner, Sir James became the closest of The Bruce's friends and associates in the field. A gallant knight and brilliant fighter, he was feared as much by his comrades as his enemies.

Bruce, in atonement for his excommunication (for the slaying of the Comyn on Holy ground) had dreamed of leading a Crusade to the Holy Land but died before the dream could be realised. And so it was, on the king's death in 1329, Sir James Douglas fulfilled his beloved friend's wishes and carried Bruce's heart in a casket around his neck on a crusade against the Infidel. Douglas fell in battle against the Moors. Legend has it that he led the charge on the enemy, hurling the casket containing Bruce's heart into their midst with the battle yell, "a Bruce! a Bruce!". Although Sir James was lost, the battle was won. The casket was retrieved and returned to Scotland where it is buried in Melrose Abbey.
Douglas fell in battle against the Moors. Legend has it that he led the charge on the enemy, hurling the casket containing Bruce's heart into their midst with the battle yell, "a Bruce! a Bruce!". Although Sir James was lost, the battle was won. The casket was retrieved and returned to Scotland where it is buried in Melrose Abbey.
So notable were Douglas's victories against the English invaders - at times raiding far into England - that the refrain is still quoted in Northumberland and Cumberland, an odd lullaby for wakeful children: Hush ye, hush ye, do not fret ye: the Black Douglas will not get ye!

Sir James Douglas, 'The Good Sir James'

Knight
Bannockburn Scottish (Light) Side

Available only with complete set

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