John Stewart of Bonkyll

Sir John Stewart of Bonkyll (died 22 July 1298) was a son of Alexander Stewart, 4th High Steward of Scotland. He was a military commander during the First Scottish War of Independence and during the Battle of Falkirk, he commanded the Scottish archers, and was killed during the battle. Stewart is interred in the churchyard of the Falkirk Old Parish Church.

Royal descendants

He is the direct paternal ancestor of Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley, the second husband of his brother's descendant, Mary, Queen of Scots. Thus, he is a direct agnatic ancestor of James VI of Scotland, who later became James I of England in 1603. This accession of James I united the thrones of England, Scotland, and Ireland.

Marriage and children

He married Margaret de Bonkyl (Bonkill), daughter of Sir Alexander de Bonkyl. They had issue:

• Sir Alexander Stewart of Bonkyll died in 1319. He had issue: John Stewart, 1st Earl of Angus
• Sir Alan Stewart died on 19 July 1333 during the battle of Halidon Hill. Ancestor of the Earls of Lennox, James VI and I and through him the present royal family of the United Kingdom.
• Sir Walter Stewart. Ancestor of the Stewarts of Garlies-later Earls of Galloway and Lords Blantyre
• Sir James Stewart died on 19 July 1333 during the battle of Halidon Hill. Ancestor of the Stewart Lords of Lorne, Earls of Atholl, Earls of Buchan, Earls of Traquair and Clan Stewart of Appin.
• Sir John Stewart died on 19 July 1333 during the battle of Halidon Hill.
• Isabella Stewart, married Thomas Randolph, 1st Earl of Moray, son of Sir Thomas Randolph. She died sometime after 15 July 1351.
• Sir Robert Stewart, ancestor of Sir James Steuart, 2nd Baronet of Coltness.
• Sir Hugh Stewart.

Lady Margaret appears to have remarried, as she is named as wife to Sir David de Brechin in 1304.

References

Sources

• Calendar of documents relating to Scotland preserved in Her Majesty's Public Record Office. V vols., ed Bain. London 1881.[1]
• http://www.thepeerage.com/p514.htm