The Black Dinner

In 1440, King James II was just 10 years old and a pawn in the power struggles of different factions trying to control Scotland through him. Archibald the 5th Earl of Douglas had been in charge until his death but his 16-year-old son didn’t have the same authority. With a child ascending to the Earldom and another on the throne, enemies of the powerful Douglas family saw their opportunity.

Sir William Crichton was the new warden of the King and hatched a gruesome plan. He invited the teenage Earl of Douglas and his little brother to dine at Edinburgh Castle with the young James. A feast was held in the great hall of Edinburgh Castle and none of the three boys were aware of what was in store.

During their meal, the head of a black bull was brought in and dropped on the table in front of the Douglas brothers. It was a sign of treachery and death. There was nothing the 10-year-old King could do but watch in shock as his guests were dragged outside.

A short, sham trial was held where the youngsters were accused of being traitors to the crown. King James is said to have protested on their behalf, but his cries fell on deaf ears and both Douglas boys were beheaded.

While Crichton benefited from what became known as the Black Dinner, there was another figure at work in the background. The brothers’ great-uncle is believed to have been instrumental in organising the executions and he just happened to be next in line as the 7th Earl of Douglas.