David Stewart (October 24 1378 - 1402) was (from 1390) the heir to the throne of Scotland and (from 1398) the first Duke of Rothesay. He also held the titles of Earl of Atholl (1398 - 1402) and of Earl of Carrick.
David Stewart was the son of king Robert III of Scotland and of his wife, Annabella Drummond. Due to his father's sickness, David became "Lieutenant" of the kingdom in 1399, a time of civil unrest and conflict with the neighbouring England. His major domestic enemy, his uncle, the experienced Robert Stewart, 1st Duke of Albany, had served as protector of the kingdom until then. Albany arrested David and put him in prison. He died in 1402, in uncertain circumstances, probably by order of Albany himself. Legend says that he starved to death.
David married Marjorie Douglas, daughter of Archibald earl of Douglas, but had no children. In 1406 David's younger brother James Stewart succeeded Robert III on the throne.
Last updated: 06-02-2005 20:42:55