John of Argyll - Lord of Argyll

John MacDougall / John Bacach "The Lame"

John of Argyll (John MacDougall) was a 13th and 14th century Scottish Nobleman and Lord of Argyll. Later traditions sometimes called him John Bacach (“the Lame”), though this nickname lacks contemporary evidence.

Born in 1269 in Argyll, Scotland, John was the son of Alexander (Alasdair) MacDougall, Lord of Argyll. His mother, whose name is unknown, was a daughter of John (I) Comyn, Lord of Badenoch, thereby giving John strong ties to the Comyn and Balliol families.

By 1291, John swore fealty to Edward I of England. Later in the decade, MacDougall forces under John's father, Alexander, clashed with the Campbells. The battle at Red Ford, near Loch Awe and Lorne, occurred around 1294–1296 and resulted in the killing of Colin Campbell.

Following these events, in 1305, John and his father joined the advisory council to John of Brittany, Edward's Lieutenant in Scotland.

In the summer of 1306, John of Argyll led Clan MacDougall at the Battle of Dalrigh, defeating Robert the Bruce and blocking his retreat to western Scotland at Tyndrum. Edward then appointed John Sheriff of Argyll and Inchegall (the Isles).

In 1308, Robert the Bruce defeated the MacDougalls at the Battle of the Pass of Brander and then captured the MacDougall stronghold, Dunstaffnage Castle, forcing John and his father into exile in England.

While in England, John served Edward II and, as an Admiral, commanded English fleets in the Irish Sea in 1311 and 1314. In 1315, he helped the English Crown conquer the Isle of Man. The following year, he received a pension from Edward II.

Later in 1316, John of Argyll died at Ospringe in Kent while making a pilgrimage to Canterbury. He was buried somewhere in England.

John had several children. His wife was from the MacLachlan family, though her name is unknown.

John's children were Ewen, Alan, Somhairle, Alexander, Mary, and another daughter whose name is unrecorded, but who married Patrick de Graham.