Our Douglas Family History

The origins of the Douglas family are lost in the mists of time. It is said that "In the margin, about one-third into The Book of Clan Douglas, Volume III, are written the words: `This is about the time when the Earth began'." (Mary Murray, nee Mary Douglas, of Earltown: 1991).

Perhaps, at the time when surnames were first used, a family took the name of the river that flows though what became known as Douglasdale, possibly descendnats of Flemish settlers.

There is the following tradition in regard to the origin of the name. In the year 770 Solvathius king of Scotland, obtained a victory over Donald Bain of the Western Isles, by the assistance of a man who was unknown to him. After the battle, being desirous to see one who had done him so signal a service, he was pointed out to him with these words: " Sholto Dhuglass," behold that swarthy man.

One of this family, Sir William Douglas, entered into the service of Charlemagne and was the founder of the family of Douglassi in Tuscany.

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There is a huge emotional pull towards the Good Sir James, the Black Douglas, as a pillar on which the Douglas story is founded. But are you a 'Black Douglas'? Or a Red Douglas? Or perhaps neither?

Following the death of the 2nd Earl at the Battle of Otterburn in 1388 without legitimate issue, the Earldom passed to a bastard son of 'The Good Sir James', the poetically named Archibald the Grim, the Lord of Galloway. This occurred through articles of special entail in the resignation of title by Hugh the Dull, Lord of Douglas. George Douglas, 1st Earl of Angus the bastard son of the 1st Earl by his sister-in law Margaret Stewart, Dowager Countess of Mar & Countess of Angus, inherited his mother's Earldom of Angus. Retrospectively the two branches of Douglas and Angus were described as the Black and Red lines respectively.

The Black Douglases fell from power and were attainted by King James II in 1455. The seventh Earl was created Earl of Avondale and Lord Balveny in 1437, also in the Peerage of Scotland. These titles also became forfeit in 1455.

The title of Douglas was restored in 1633 for the 'Red' Douglas line, when William Douglas, 11th Earl of Angus (1589–1660), was created First Marquess of Douglas by Charles I.

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How the Douglas Archives Works

The Douglas Archives are, at the time of writing, a collection of 12,700+ files containing material, some still un-edited, from a wide variety of sources. New material is included almost daily, though not necessarily published immediately. The result is a dynamic archive of biographies, anecdotes and historical material about the Douglas family.

Some of this is open to challenge, and, because it is often un-verified, must all be taken 'as seen', and so any researcher using the material is strongly advised to double-check its accuracy.

Discussion, corrections or contributions through our Community Network, or by using our Contribution form is welcome.

Finding your way around the Douglas Archives may be a little confusing! In addition to the Community Network, There are two main sections: the historical section and the genealogy database.

Whilst some, brief, biographies can be found in the genealogical database, most are in the historical section. Many biographies contain links to other family members, battles in which the person may have fought, or places they are connected with. Keeping all these links live (there are more than 82,500+ of them) is difficult, so if you come across a broken link, please do let us know. The historical section contains recent history as well! Recent events involving family members is included as we come across it.

The genealogy database contains records of more than 193,700 people, who either are close members of the Douglas family, or are linked by marriage to them. There are a lot more 'cousins' than there are Douglases!

Our lists include many variations on 'Douglas' as we include the wider Douglas family. Much of the content of this website is a collection of materials gathered from a variety of sources, and some of that remains unedited. The webmaster does not intend to claim authorship of materials gathered from and by others, but gives credit to the originators for their work, some of which is subject to copyright.

Please see our terms and conditions for use of the site, and also read our cookie and privacy policies to see how we use and protect data collected about you, or your computer.

The answers to some frequently asked questions about the genealogy database can be found on our FAQ page.

Keep in touch by using our Community Network.

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The Douglas Archives Genealogy Pages

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