Thomas Randolph Jr.

Background

Thomas Randolph, Jr. was born about 1278, the place birth is unknown.

Career

When Robert revolted against the English and claimed the Scottish throne (1306), Randolph, Jr. joined the insurgency, but he was soon thereafter taken prisoner at the Battle of Methven. He did homage to King Edward I of England and fought in the English army against Robert until captured by the Scottish commander Sir James Douglas in 1308. Submitting to Robert, Randolph, Jr. quickly became a trusted commander and adviser. Robert made him Earl of Moray in 1312 or 1314. By a brilliant tactical maneuver Moray captured Edinburgh Castle from the English in March 1314, and three months later he distinguished himself in the spectacular Scottish victory over Edward II of England at Bannockburn.

With Douglas, Moray took Berwick-uponTweed from the English (1318), ravaged northern England (1319), and defeated an English army at Byland, Yorkshire (1322). In 1323 he persuaded Pope John XXII to recognize Robert’s right to the Scottish throne. Five years later he played a major role in negotiating the treaty by which England recognized Robert as king of Scots. Robert died in June 1329, and Randolph, Jr. was regent for David II until his death on July 20, 1332.

Achievements

• Thomas Randolph, Jr. was a leading military commander in Robert’s successful struggle to gain independence from English rule, and later he was regent for Robert’s young son and successor, David II.

Connections

Thomas Randolph was married to Isabel Stewart of Bonkyll, by whom he had two sons and two daughters.

Father:

Thomas Randolph, Sr.

Thomas Randolph, Sr. was Chamberlain of Scotland and Sheriff of Roxburgh.

Mother:

Isobail Randolph (De Bruce)

Wife:

Isabel Stewart of Bonkyll

Daughter:

Isabel (Geilis) Randolph

Daughter:

Agnes, Countess of Dunbar and March

Son:

John Randolph

John Randolph, 3rd Earl of Moray, was an important figure in the reign of David II of Scotland, and was for a time joint Regent of Scotland.

Son:

Thomas Randolph

Thomas Randolph, 2nd Earl of Moray, was a Scottish military commander, held his title for just 23 days.