Robert Lyle, 2nd Lord Lyle

Robert Lyle, 2nd Lord Lyle (died 1497) was a Scottish nobleman from Duchal Castle in Renfrewshire.[1] He was at one point a loyal supporter of King James III and served as an ambassador to England in the 1470s and 1480s. During his service, Lord Lyle negotiated various treaties with England, including a three-year truce.[2]

In 1482,[1] after a series of disagreements, Robert was accused of plotting high treason against the King, James III. He was found not guilty and honorably acquitted.[3] In 1485, after James III repeatedly enraged the nobles, Robert Lord Lyle joined several other peers in a confederacy to depose the king.[4] Robert is thought to have been present at the 1488 Battle of Sauchieburn, when James III was killed.[1]

Robert Lord Lyle was appointed one of the commissioners at the opening of the Scottish Parliament in 1488.[5] He was an auditor and examiner during the inventory of King James III's property.[6]

In 1489, Robert and the Earl of Lennox started a rebellion against King James IV.[6] Lyle's Duchal Castle was eventually besieged for a week, with the famous cannon Mons Meg part of the King's armament.[7] The short-lived rebellion failed and Robert surrendered.[8] James IV bore no grudge toward Robert Lord Lyle and appointed Robert ambassador to England, as well as to the position of Chief Justiciar of Scotland.[9]

Robert Lord Lyle married at least twice. His second marriage, to Margaret Houston, produced eight children: Robert (the third Lord Lyle), George, Nicol, John, Margaret, Jonet, Marion, and Agnes.[10]

References edit

Citations edit

  1. ^ a b c "Lyle, Robert, first Lord Lyle (d. c. 1470), nobleman". Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (online ed.). Oxford University Press. 2004. doi:10.1093/ref:odnb/66112. (Subscription or UK public library membership required.)
  2. ^ Lyle 1936, pp. 69-70.
  3. ^ Lyle 1936, pp. 70-71.
  4. ^ Lyle 1936, p. 76
  5. ^ Lyle 1936, p. 82.
  6. ^ a b Lyle 1936, p. 83.
  7. ^ Lyle 1936, pp. 85-86.
  8. ^ Lyle 1936, p. 87.
  9. ^ Lyle 1936, p. 88.
  10. ^ Lyle 1936, pp. 90-91.

Resources edit

Peerage of Scotland
Preceded by Lord Lyle
1470–1497
Succeeded by