William Douglas, 1st Earl of Douglas

William Douglas ( * ca 1330, † May 1384 in Douglas, South Lanarkshire ) was a Scottish nobleman, 1st Earl of Douglas and Earl of Mar.

William was a son of the Scottish regent Sir Archibald Douglas, Douglas, which was dropped in 1333 and his wife Elizabeth Lindsay. He was also the nephew of General and commander James Douglas, and of Hugh "the Dull ," Lord Douglas of which he eventually inherited in 1342 all the lands of the family. In August 1353 he killed his relative William Douglas, the " Knight of Liddlesdale ".

William fought in the Battle of Poitiers on September 19, 1356 in which he was wounded.

In 1357 he married Isabella, daughter and heiress of Duncan, 8th Earl of Mar and his wife Isabella Stewart of Bonkyl. As a result of his marriage he was even in 1357 Earl of Mar. 1358, he was raised by David II 1st Earl of Douglas. He also held the office of Warden of the Scottish Marches.

William Douglas was one of the most ardent supporters of Scottish independence and fought the reign of David II, which drew an English prince in consideration for the Scottish throne.

His marriage to Isabella come from:

• James Douglas, 2nd Earl of Douglas
• Isabella ( † after 1384 ), Countess of Mar

William married a second time, Margaret Stewart of Bonkyl, daughter and heiress of Thomas, Earl of Angus. With this he was the son of:

• George Douglas, 1st Earl of Angus ( 1378-1402 ), founder of the so-called red line of the Douglas family.