Talk:James Douglas, 7th of Drumlanrig

Death of Lady Marion

Whilst it is true that Lady Marion Carruthers was found dead at the base of the battlements of Comlongon Castle, the Douglas family's account of the events leading to this are rather different to those of Clan Carruthers, as recorded here.

Sir Simon Carruthers, Baron of Mouswald Castle, had agreed to the marriage between James Douglas and his daughter before he died in 1548 in a border raid. Two neighbouring families then hoped to obtain the lands from Lady Marion and with them possession of Mouswald Castle. These were the Douglas family of Drumlanrig and the Maxwell family of Caerlaverock Castle. Lord Maxwell invaded Mouswald Castle and took occupation. The Privy Council settled in James' favour in 1563 but Lady Marion had by this time fled to her uncle, Sir William Murray at Comlongon Castle. She tried to escape the intended marriage by giving her uncle half of her dowry. Sir James Douglas sued for his inheritance and won his case. Marion then either jumped to her death - or was pushed. Shipsview (talk) 19:17, 29 October 2018 (UTC)