Historical novels by Nigel Tranter set between 1286-1603
Encyclopedia
The Scottish author Nigel Tranter
wrote many novels based on actual historical events and characters.
This page includes those of his historical novels set in Scotland
in the period 1286–1603. This begins with the death of Alexander III
, which precipitated the Contest for the Crown
and the Wars of Scottish Independence
. The period closes with the Union of the Crowns
in 1603, when James VI of Scotland acceded the English throne.
For Tranter's historical novels set outside this timeframe see:
For other books by Nigel Tranter, see here.
1296–1305 William Wallace
.
Set during the period 1296–1306, this book follows the life of Robert
, Earl of Carrick as he begins to understand his destiny. It begins with John I of Scotland (John Balliol) humiliated and stripped of his crown by Edward I of England
. A shocked witness, Robert Bruce has to consider his own loyalties. As Scotland suffers an English invasion and occupation, Bruce begins his struggle to establish a new order in Scotland. He both collaborates, and clashes with his contemporary William Wallace
; he forms alliances and friendships with, amongst others, James Douglas
and William de Lamberton
, and becomes a deadly rival of John Comyn
. Bruce and Comyn's argument in Greyfriars Church, which resulted in Comyn's death, occasions Bruce's hasty crowning as King of Scotland. The story ends with his loss at the Battle of Methven
, and escape.
By telling the story from Bruce's point-of-view, Tranter shows clearly how Scotland's turbulent politics and Bruce's own mixed loyalties informed his actions, providing credible motives for his apparent "switching sides" (as he had supported Edward I at one time) and his murder of Comyn.
For further historical detail see: Wars of Scottish Independence
;
First War of Scottish Independence
.
1306–1314
1314–1329
Set during 1332–1342, this novel depicts Scotland in the aftermath of Bruce's death under the reign of his son David II
, focussing on the tale of
Alexander Ramsay and William Douglas, Lord of Liddesdale
.
Set during 1369–1391, during the reigns of David II and Robert II
, the story follows John Dunbar, 4th Earl of Moray.
1388–1390 – from the Battle of Otterburn
to the coronation of Robert III of Scotland
.
1396–1402 – from the Battle of the Clans to the death of David Stewart, Duke of Rothesay
.
1402–1411 – following directly from Folly of Princes and ending with the Battle of Harlaw
.
The story of King James I... from a young boy until his murder.
1403–1437 James I
Set during 1437–1460, during the reign of James II
, the book describes the boy-king's time under regents Archibald Douglas, 5th Earl of Douglas
, Lord Crichton
, and Sir Alexander Livingston, and the plot to kill William Douglas, 6th Earl of Douglas
at the "Black Dinner", seen through the eyes of Alexander Lyon, Master and then 2nd Lord of Glamis. The book ends with the death of James.
Set 1448–1452, this book covers in detail some of the aspects of the reign of James II, and the fall of the Black Douglases
. It features William Douglas, 8th Earl of Douglas
, who restored the power of the Earls of Douglas following the murder of the 6th earl. The book ends with William's murder at the hands of James II himself, in Stirling Castle
. It makes some speculative claims about his allegedly disfuncional marriage with Margaret Douglas, Fair Maid of Galloway
.
Set 1466–1469, the book follows Princess Mary Stewart, sister of James III
, and her first husband Thomas Boyd, Earl of Arran.
1474–1488: Princess Mary Stewart and John Douglas of Douglasdale
The story of Sir Andrew Wood of Largo, sea-captain under James III
, James IV
and the infant James V
.
1488–1513 James IV
from Sauchieburn to Flodden, repeats dubious legends about the alleged murder of Margaret Drummond
.
1494–1513 James IV
, his mistress Janet Kennedy
, and her brother David Kennedy, 1st Earl of Cassilis
1513–1546 James V
and Cardinal David Beaton
Set 1513–1524, focusses on James V of Scotland
and Sir David Lyndsay of the Mount
.
, up to the Union of the Crowns. It is centred on Patrick Gray, 6th Lord Gray
, Master of Gray at the time, who is depicted as a machiavellian figure, although it could seriously exagerrate his importance.
Lord and Master
1574–1587 This was originally titled "The Master of Gray". but was re-named after the title was used for the entire trilogy.
The Courtesan
1587–1592 This title refers to a fictional illegitimate daughter of Patrick Gray, who became mistress of the Earl of Lennox
.
Past Master
1592–1603 This ends with the Union of the Crowns and James crossing the border at Berwick.
Nigel Tranter
Nigel Tranter OBE was a Scottish historian and author.-Early life:Nigel Tranter was born in Glasgow and educated at George Heriot's School in Edinburgh. He trained as an accountant and worked in Scottish National Insurance Company, founded by his uncle. In 1933 he married May Jean Campbell Grieve...
wrote many novels based on actual historical events and characters.
This page includes those of his historical novels set in Scotland
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
in the period 1286–1603. This begins with the death of Alexander III
Alexander III of Scotland
Alexander III was King of Scots from 1249 to his death.-Life:...
, which precipitated the Contest for the Crown
Competitors for the Crown of Scotland
With the death of Alexander III of Scotland in 1286 without a male heir, the throne of Scotland had become the possession of the three-year old Margaret, Maid of Norway, the granddaughter of the King...
and the Wars of Scottish Independence
Wars of Scottish Independence
The Wars of Scottish Independence were a series of military campaigns fought between the independent Kingdom of Scotland and the Kingdom of England in the late 13th and early 14th centuries....
. The period closes with the Union of the Crowns
Union of the Crowns
The Union of the Crowns was the accession of James VI, King of Scots, to the throne of England, and the consequential unification of Scotland and England under one monarch. The Union of Crowns followed the death of James' unmarried and childless first cousin twice removed, Queen Elizabeth I of...
in 1603, when James VI of Scotland acceded the English throne.
For Tranter's historical novels set outside this timeframe see:
- Historical novels by Nigel Tranter set before 1286Historical novels by Nigel Tranter set before 1286Nigel Tranter is a Scottish author who wrote many novels based on actual historical events and characters.This page includes those of his books set in Scotland from earliest times until the death of Alexander III in 1286....
- Historical novels by Nigel Tranter set after 1603Historical novels by Nigel Tranter set after 1603Nigel Tranter is a Scottish author who wrote many novels based on actual historical events and characters.This page includes those of his historical novels set in Scotland after the Union of the Crowns in 1603, when James VI of Scotland inherited the throne of England upon the death of his cousin...
For other books by Nigel Tranter, see here.
The Wallace
First published in 1975, ISBN 978-03401912931296–1305 William Wallace
William Wallace
Sir William Wallace was a Scottish knight and landowner who became one of the main leaders during the Wars of Scottish Independence....
Robert the Bruce trilogy
Originally published as three books; later re-published in one volume as The Bruce Trilogy.Robert the Bruce: The Steps to the Empty Throne
First published in 1969 by Hodder & StoughtonHodder & Stoughton
Hodder & Stoughton is a British publishing house, now an imprint of Hachette.-History:The firm has its origins in the 1840s, with Matthew Hodder's employment, aged fourteen, with Messrs Jackson and Walford, the official publisher for the Congregational Union...
.
Set during the period 1296–1306, this book follows the life of Robert
Robert I of Scotland
Robert I , popularly known as Robert the Bruce , was King of Scots from March 25, 1306, until his death in 1329.His paternal ancestors were of Scoto-Norman heritage , and...
, Earl of Carrick as he begins to understand his destiny. It begins with John I of Scotland (John Balliol) humiliated and stripped of his crown by Edward I of England
Edward I of England
Edward I , also known as Edward Longshanks and the Hammer of the Scots, was King of England from 1272 to 1307. The first son of Henry III, Edward was involved early in the political intrigues of his father's reign, which included an outright rebellion by the English barons...
. A shocked witness, Robert Bruce has to consider his own loyalties. As Scotland suffers an English invasion and occupation, Bruce begins his struggle to establish a new order in Scotland. He both collaborates, and clashes with his contemporary William Wallace
William Wallace
Sir William Wallace was a Scottish knight and landowner who became one of the main leaders during the Wars of Scottish Independence....
; he forms alliances and friendships with, amongst others, James Douglas
James Douglas, Lord of Douglas
Sir James Douglas , , was a Scottish soldier and knight who fought in the Scottish Wars of Independence.-Early life:...
and William de Lamberton
William de Lamberton
William de Lamberton, sometimes modernized as William Lamberton, was Bishop of St Andrews from 1297 until his death. Lamberton is renowned for his influential role during the Scottish Wars of Independence. He campaigned for the national cause under William Wallace and later Robert the Bruce...
, and becomes a deadly rival of John Comyn
John III Comyn, Lord of Badenoch
John III Comyn, Lord of Badenoch and Lord of Lochaber or John "the Red", also known simply as the Red Comyn was a Scottish nobleman who was an important figure in the Wars of Scottish Independence, and was Guardian of Scotland during the Second Interregnum 1296-1306...
. Bruce and Comyn's argument in Greyfriars Church, which resulted in Comyn's death, occasions Bruce's hasty crowning as King of Scotland. The story ends with his loss at the Battle of Methven
Battle of Methven
The Battle of Methven took place at Methven in Scotland in 1306, during the Wars of Scottish Independence.-Comyn's Death:In February 1306, Robert Bruce and a small party of his followers killed John Comyn, also known as the Red Comyn, before the high altar of the Greyfriars Church in Dumfries...
, and escape.
By telling the story from Bruce's point-of-view, Tranter shows clearly how Scotland's turbulent politics and Bruce's own mixed loyalties informed his actions, providing credible motives for his apparent "switching sides" (as he had supported Edward I at one time) and his murder of Comyn.
For further historical detail see: Wars of Scottish Independence
Wars of Scottish Independence
The Wars of Scottish Independence were a series of military campaigns fought between the independent Kingdom of Scotland and the Kingdom of England in the late 13th and early 14th centuries....
;
First War of Scottish Independence
First War of Scottish Independence
The First War of Scottish Independence lasted from the invasion by England in 1296 until the de jure restoration of Scottish independence with the Treaty of Edinburgh-Northampton in 1328...
.
Robert the Bruce: The Path of the Hero King
First published in 1970 by Hodder & Stoughton.1306–1314
Robert the Bruce: The Price of the King's Peace
First published in 1971 by Hodder & Stoughton.1314–1329
Flowers of Chivalry
First published in 1987Set during 1332–1342, this novel depicts Scotland in the aftermath of Bruce's death under the reign of his son David II
David II of Scotland
David II was King of Scots from 7 June 1329 until his death.-Early life:...
, focussing on the tale of
Alexander Ramsay and William Douglas, Lord of Liddesdale
William Douglas, Lord of Liddesdale
Sir William Douglas, Lord of Liddesdale was also known as the Knight of Liddesdale and the Flower of Chivalry. He was a Scottish nobleman and soldier active during the Second War of Scottish Independence.-Family:...
.
Courting Favour
First published in 2000Set during 1369–1391, during the reigns of David II and Robert II
Robert II of Scotland
Robert II became King of Scots in 1371 as the first monarch of the House of Stewart. He was the son of Walter Stewart, hereditary High Steward of Scotland and of Marjorie Bruce, daughter of Robert I and of his first wife Isabella of Mar...
, the story follows John Dunbar, 4th Earl of Moray.
Stewart trilogy
Originally comprising three books, the trilogy has since re-appeared as one volume.Lords of Misrule
First published in 19761388–1390 – from the Battle of Otterburn
Battle of Otterburn
The Battle of Otterburn took place on the 5 August 1388, as part of the continuing border skirmishes between the Scottish and English.The best remaining record of the battle is from Jean Froissart's Chronicles in which he claims to have interviewed veterans from both sides of the battle...
to the coronation of Robert III of Scotland
Robert III of Scotland
Robert III was King of Scots from 1390 to his death. His given name was John Stewart, and he was known primarily as the Earl of Carrick before ascending the throne at age 53...
.
A Folly of Princes
First published in 19771396–1402 – from the Battle of the Clans to the death of David Stewart, Duke of Rothesay
David Stewart, Duke of Rothesay
David Stewart was the heir to the throne of Scotland from 1390 and the first Duke of Rothesay from 1398. He also held the titles of Earl of Atholl and Earl of Carrick...
.
The Captive Crown
First published in 19771402–1411 – following directly from Folly of Princes and ending with the Battle of Harlaw
Battle of Harlaw
The Battle of Harlaw was a Scottish clan battle fought on 24 July 1411 just north of Inverurie in Aberdeenshire. It was one of a series of battles fought during the Middle Ages between the barons of northeast Scotland against those from the west coast....
.
Lion Let Loose
First published in 1967The story of King James I... from a young boy until his murder.
1403–1437 James I
James I of Scotland
James I, King of Scots , was the son of Robert III and Annabella Drummond. He was probably born in late July 1394 in Dunfermline as youngest of three sons...
The Lion's Whelp
First published in 1997Set during 1437–1460, during the reign of James II
James II of Scotland
James II reigned as King of Scots from 1437 to his death.He was the son of James I, King of Scots, and Joan Beaufort...
, the book describes the boy-king's time under regents Archibald Douglas, 5th Earl of Douglas
Archibald Douglas, 5th Earl of Douglas
Archibald Douglas was a Scottish nobleman and General, son of Archibald Douglas, 4th Earl of Douglas and Margaret Stewart, eldest daughter of Robert III...
, Lord Crichton
William Crichton, 1st Lord Crichton
William Crichton, 1st Lord Crichton of Sanquhar was an important political figure in Scotland.He held various positions within the court of James I. At the death of James I, William Crichton was Sheriff of Edinburgh, Keeper of Edinburgh Castle, and Master of the King’s household...
, and Sir Alexander Livingston, and the plot to kill William Douglas, 6th Earl of Douglas
William Douglas, 6th Earl of Douglas
William Douglas was a short-lived Scottish Nobleman. He was Earl of Douglas and Wigtown, Lord of Galloway, Lord of Bothwell, Selkirk and Ettrick Forest, Eskdale, Lauderdale, and Annandale in Scotland, and de jure Duke of Touraine, Count of Longueville, and Sire of Dun-le-roi in France...
at the "Black Dinner", seen through the eyes of Alexander Lyon, Master and then 2nd Lord of Glamis. The book ends with the death of James.
Black Douglas
First published in 1968Set 1448–1452, this book covers in detail some of the aspects of the reign of James II, and the fall of the Black Douglases
Earl of Douglas
This page is concerned with the holders of the extinct title Earl of Douglas and the preceding feudal barons of Douglas, South Lanarkshire. The title was created in the Peerage of Scotland in 1358 for William Douglas, 1st Earl of Douglas, son of Sir Archibald Douglas, Guardian of Scotland...
. It features William Douglas, 8th Earl of Douglas
William Douglas, 8th Earl of Douglas
William Douglas, 8th Earl of Douglas, 2nd Earl of Avondale was a Scottish nobleman. He was the eldest son of James Douglas, 7th Earl of Douglas and Beatrice Sinclair....
, who restored the power of the Earls of Douglas following the murder of the 6th earl. The book ends with William's murder at the hands of James II himself, in Stirling Castle
Stirling Castle
Stirling Castle, located in Stirling, is one of the largest and most important castles, both historically and architecturally, in Scotland. The castle sits atop Castle Hill, an intrusive crag, which forms part of the Stirling Sill geological formation. It is surrounded on three sides by steep...
. It makes some speculative claims about his allegedly disfuncional marriage with Margaret Douglas, Fair Maid of Galloway
Margaret Douglas, Fair Maid of Galloway
Margaret Douglas, Countess of Douglas known as the Fair Maid of Galloway was a Scottish noblewoman, a member of the Black Douglas family towards the end of the family's position as a major force in Scotland....
.
Price of a Princess
First published in 1994Set 1466–1469, the book follows Princess Mary Stewart, sister of James III
James III of Scotland
James III was King of Scots from 1460 to 1488. James was an unpopular and ineffective monarch owing to an unwillingness to administer justice fairly, a policy of pursuing alliance with the Kingdom of England, and a disastrous relationship with nearly all his extended family.His reputation as the...
, and her first husband Thomas Boyd, Earl of Arran.
Lord in Waiting
First published in 1994 by Hodder & Stoughton ISBN 67803405878501474–1488: Princess Mary Stewart and John Douglas of Douglasdale
The Admiral
First published in 2001 by Hodder & Stoughton. Paperback edition 2001.The story of Sir Andrew Wood of Largo, sea-captain under James III
James III of Scotland
James III was King of Scots from 1460 to 1488. James was an unpopular and ineffective monarch owing to an unwillingness to administer justice fairly, a policy of pursuing alliance with the Kingdom of England, and a disastrous relationship with nearly all his extended family.His reputation as the...
, James IV
James IV of Scotland
James IV was King of Scots from 11 June 1488 to his death. He is generally regarded as the most successful of the Stewart monarchs of Scotland, but his reign ended with the disastrous defeat at the Battle of Flodden Field, where he became the last monarch from not only Scotland, but also from all...
and the infant James V
James V of Scotland
James V was King of Scots from 9 September 1513 until his death, which followed the Scottish defeat at the Battle of Solway Moss...
.
Chain of Destiny
First published in 19641488–1513 James IV
James IV of Scotland
James IV was King of Scots from 11 June 1488 to his death. He is generally regarded as the most successful of the Stewart monarchs of Scotland, but his reign ended with the disastrous defeat at the Battle of Flodden Field, where he became the last monarch from not only Scotland, but also from all...
from Sauchieburn to Flodden, repeats dubious legends about the alleged murder of Margaret Drummond
Margaret Drummond (Mistress)
Margaret Drummond was a daughter of John Drummond, 1st Lord Drummond and a mistress of King James IV of Scotland. She was a great-great-great-great-niece of the Margaret Drummond who was King David II's second queen....
.
A Flame for the Fire
First published in 19981494–1513 James IV
James IV of Scotland
James IV was King of Scots from 11 June 1488 to his death. He is generally regarded as the most successful of the Stewart monarchs of Scotland, but his reign ended with the disastrous defeat at the Battle of Flodden Field, where he became the last monarch from not only Scotland, but also from all...
, his mistress Janet Kennedy
Janet Kennedy
Janet Kennedy , the first daughter of John Kennedy, 2nd Lord Kennedy, became a mistress of King James IV of Scotland.Through her father, she was a great-great-granddaughter of King Robert III...
, and her brother David Kennedy, 1st Earl of Cassilis
David Kennedy, 1st Earl of Cassilis
David Kennedy, 1st Earl of Cassilis was a Scottish peer, the son of John Kennedy, 2nd Lord Kennedy. Invested as a Knight on 29 January 1487/88 by King James III, he wed Agnes Borthwick, daughter of Sir William Borthwick, 2nd Lord Borthwick, before July 1489...
A Stake in the Kingdom
First published in 1966.1513–1546 James V
James V of Scotland
James V was King of Scots from 9 September 1513 until his death, which followed the Scottish defeat at the Battle of Solway Moss...
and Cardinal David Beaton
David Beaton
The Most Rev. Dr. David Cardinal Beaton was Archbishop of St Andrews and the last Scottish Cardinal prior to the Reformation.-Career:...
The Riven Realm
First published in 1984Set 1513–1524, focusses on James V of Scotland
James V of Scotland
James V was King of Scots from 9 September 1513 until his death, which followed the Scottish defeat at the Battle of Solway Moss...
and Sir David Lyndsay of the Mount
David Lyndsay
Sir David Lyndsay of the Mount, was a Scottish Lord Lyon and poet of the 16th century, whose works reflect the spirit of the Renaissance.-Biography:...
.
Master of Gray trilogy
This trilogy is set during the reign of James VIJames I of England
James VI and I was King of Scots as James VI from 24 July 1567 and King of England and Ireland as James I from the union of the English and Scottish crowns on 24 March 1603...
, up to the Union of the Crowns. It is centred on Patrick Gray, 6th Lord Gray
Patrick Gray, 6th Lord Gray
Patrick Gray, 6th Lord Gray , known most of his life as Patrick, Master of Gray, was a Scottish nobleman and politician during the reigns of James VI of Scotland and Mary, Queen of Scots.-Early life:...
, Master of Gray at the time, who is depicted as a machiavellian figure, although it could seriously exagerrate his importance.
Lord and Master
1574–1587 This was originally titled "The Master of Gray". but was re-named after the title was used for the entire trilogy.
The Courtesan
1587–1592 This title refers to a fictional illegitimate daughter of Patrick Gray, who became mistress of the Earl of Lennox
Earl of Lennox
The Mormaer of Lennox or Earl of Lennox was the ruler of the long-lasting provincial Mormaerdom/Earldom of Lennox in the Medieval Kingdom of the Scots. The first Mormaer is usually regarded as Ailin I , but the genealogy of the Mormaers gives earlier names...
.
Past Master
1592–1603 This ends with the Union of the Crowns and James crossing the border at Berwick.