Alexander Stewart, 4th High Steward of Scotland
Alexander Stewart (c. 1210–1282), known as Alexander of Dundonald, was a powerful Scottish noble who became the hereditary High Steward of Scotland. He succeeded his father, Walter Stewart, the 3rd High Steward, in 1241 and held the post until his death in 1282.
He fought on the Seventh Crusade with King Louis IX of France, during which his younger brother John was killed at Damietta in 1249. He also made a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Spain and baptised his eldest surviving son James in honour of the saint, a name rare in Scotland at that time.
In 1255 he served as one of the Regents of Scotland during the minority of King Alexander III. He commanded the Scottish army at the Battle of Largs in October 1263, successfully defending Scotland against an invasion by King Haakon IV of Norway.
During his era the Stewarts gained the lordship of the Cowal Peninsula, with their castle at Dunoon. He is recorded as senescallus Scotie (steward of Scotland), indicating that he held a major national office rather than a mere court position.
He died in 1282 and was succeeded by his son James. His wife was said to be Jean, and they had four documented children.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 08:19 (CET).