BattlefieldsMurder of James I at Perth 1437
Medieval

Murder of James I at Perth 1437

1437
Perthshire, Scotland
Also known as: Assassination of James I · Perth assassination 1437
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Perthshire, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
James I of Scotland
Forces
Royal guard c.20–50.
VS
Victor
Assassins (Walter Stewart of Atholl faction)
Forces
Assassins c.30–100
Outcome
James I stabbed to death; assassins captured and executed with extreme cruelty
The Battle

History & Significance

James I of Scotland — a poet, reformer and strong king who had been imprisoned in England for eighteen years — was murdered in the sewer of the Dominican Friary at Perth by a group of nobles led by Walter Stewart, Earl of Atholl, who hoped to claim the throne. Catherine Douglas (Kate Barlass) allegedly thrust her arm through the door-bar staples to delay the assassins while the king hid. The assassins were captured and tortured to death over several days in punishments of extraordinary elaboration. James's death ended a period of unusually strong royal government.

Casualties & Losses

James I killed

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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