John de Soules - Guardian of Scotland
John de Soules was a Scottish Nobleman, military leader in the First War of Scottish Independence, and Guardian of Scotland.
Born in Liddesdale, Scotland, between 1248 and 1259, John was the second son of Nicholas de Soules and Eleanor (Annora) de Normanville.
His family held lands in the Scottish Borders, especially in Liddesdale, Roxburgh, and Hermitage Castle, which passed to his older brother William.
In 1289, John served as sheriff and Governor of Berwick Castle. However, in 1291, he surrendered the castle to English forces after King Edward I of England demanded custody of one of Scotland's most important fortresses prior to the Great Cause.
After King Alexander III died, John was an auditor in the Great Cause, supporting John Balliol's claim to the crown.
By 1292, John married Margaret de Ardross, co-heiress of Merleswain. They had one daughter, Muriella.
King Edward I granted John wardships and custodies, including that of Hugh Lovel.
Alongside Bishop William Lamberton, Robert the Bruce, and John Comyn, John was appointed co-Guardian of Scotland. After Robert the Bruce and John Comyn resigned, John de Soules became the sole Guardian from 1301 to 1304, issuing writs and defending Scotland's interests against the English.
In the summer of 1301, King Edward I moved through Clydesdale while his son, Prince Edward, moved through Galloway, intending to trap Scottish forces. John de Soules led a Scottish army of around 7,000 men on an attack on Lochmaben Castle, an important stronghold in Annandale, held by the English, preventing the two English armies from joining forces.
After overrunning Lochmaben's outer defenses, the Scots burned the timber settlement and the castle's peel tower.
In 1302, John went to France with envoys to seek aid, but failed due to Anglo-French negotiations and remained in exile, unable to return to Scotland.
In 1304, during the Siege of Stirling Castle, William Oliphant asked Edward I for permission to consult with John de Soules before surrendering; however, Edward refused, as de Soules was exiled in France.
John de Soules died in France around 1310.
