Archibald Campbell - 2nd Earl of Argyll

Archibald Campbell was an influential Scottish Nobleman and politician. He served as Master of the Royal Household for King James IV, Lieutenant of the Isles, and Lord High Chancellor. He fell at the Battle of Flodden Field.

Archibald Campbell was born around 1465 in Tarbert, Argyllshire, Scotland, and was the eldest son of Colin Campbell, 1st Earl of Argyll, and Isabel Stewart, daughter of John Stewart. 2nd Lord Lorne. Archibald was part of the powerful Clan Campbell of the Western Highlands.

In 1493, his father, Colin, died, and Archibald succeeded him as the 2nd Earl of Argyll. On March 24th, 1495, King James IV appointed him Master of the Royal Household, overseeing the administration and finances of the royal household.

Archibald married Elizabeth Stewart, the eldest daughter of John Stewart, 1st Earl of Lennox; they had twelve children, including Colin Campbell and John Campbell.

Following a crisis in 1500, Archibald became the Governor of Tarbert Castle and Baillie of Knapdale. Appointed Royal Lieutenant of the Isles on April 22, 1500, he gained authority over charters and feudal lands in western Scotland. His career culminated in the position of Lord High Chancellor of Scotland.

At the Battle of Flodden Field on September 9, 1513, Archibald Campbell fought beside King James IV against the English. Both perished. Earlier, Archibald and his brother-in-law, Matthew Stewart, 2nd Earl of Lennox, commanded the right wing of the royal army, a contingent of Highland and Island men. As the battle unfolded, the Highlanders hesitated, possibly awaiting orders. English troops then struck, firing arrows into their ranks. As the survivors scattered, Archibald and Lennox fell in the assault.

Archibald was buried at Kilmun Parish Church in Argyllshire, Scotland, as was his father. Upon Archibald's death, his son Colin Campbell became the 3rd Earl of Argyll. In later generations, Archibald's descendants retained prominence in Scotland, perpetuating Campbell influence.