James Stewart, Earl of Moray

Who was James Stewart, Earl of Moray?

James Stewart, Earl of Moray was the illegitimate son of James IV of Scotland and his mistress Janet Kennedy. He was created Earl of Moray in 1501, and was young enough to avoid fighting at the disastrous Battle of Flodden Field in 1513. He went on to have a varied relationship with his half-brother James V, and was imprisoned for a time. In February 1531, James V gave him a commission to negotiate with rebels in Scottish Isles and offer them pardons for future obedience.

He should not be confused with the two later and better-known 16th century Earls of Moray who were also called James Stewart: his nephew James Stewart, 1st Earl of Moray, who was Regent during the minority of James VI, and this nephew's son-in-law James Stewart, 2nd Earl of Moray, who was The Bonny Earl of Murray of the famous ballad.

The 16th-century historian John Lesley praised this Earl for his diplomatic skills. He had homes in Edinburgh, Balnageith near Forres, Elgin and Darnaway Castle. He wrote a will in June 1540, when he was planning to travel to France for the sake of his health.