Editing James Douglas (section)

== Biography ==
James Douglas was the second son of Sir George Douglas and Elizabeth Douglas. Before 1543 he married Elizabeth, daughter of James Douglas, 3rd Earl of Morton.  In 1553 James Douglas succeeded to the title and estates of his father-in-law, including Dalkeith House in Midlothian, and Aberdour Castle in Fife. Elizabeth Douglas and her two elder sisters, who were married to Regent Arran and Lord Maxwell, suffered from mental ill-health. Their children either did not survive to adulthood, or in the case of three daughters were declared legally incompetent in 1581. James also had five illegitimate children.

During the war of the Rough Wooing, Douglas contemplated surrendering to [[Henry VIII|Henry VIII of England]], but later fought against the British at Dalkieth Palace and was wounded in the leg and captured. After a treaty was signed and brought peace, he was released.

In 1560 he signed the Treaty of Berwick to try and remove the Catholic queen, Mary of Guise, from power. This resulted in a war that only ended with Mary's death.

In 1565, while Douglas was Lord Chancellor, he joined a conspiracy of Protestant nobles to remove David Rizzio from court, as he was speculated to be having an affair with the queen. This led to Douglas leading a group of armed men into the Palace of Holyroodhouse and[[Murder of David Rizzio| killing Rizzio]], before fleeing. He returned to Scotland when he was pardoned.
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[[Category:Early Modern Villains]]
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