The progenitor of this noble family was a Breton, Alan Fitz Flaad (fl. c. 1090c. 1120). In England, Alan was appointed Sheriff of Shropshire by Henry I. His son Walter Fitz Alan (1106 - 1177), was created High Steward of Scotland in the reign of David I (1084 - 1153), an office where the duties included managing the King’s finances. The title was made hereditary in the family by Malcolm IV. Walter, the 3rd High Steward of Scotland (d. 1246), assumed the name of his office as his family surname, Stewart. Walter the 6th High Steward (1296 - 1327) married Marjory Bruce (d. 1246), the daughter of King Robert the Bruce (1274 - 1329). When David II died (1324 - 1371), he was succeeded by Walter Stewart’s son, Robert (1316 - 1390), 1st of the Royal House of Stewart. King Robert II’s eldest son John, succeeded as Robert III (1337 - 1405).
The royal line of male Stewarts was uninterrupted until the reign of Mary, Queen of Scots (1542 - 1587). Mary was executed for supposedly plotting against Elizabeth I of England. Her son James VI became James I of England (1566 - 1625) and ruled for 57 years. His son Charles I was beheaded for defying the government and Charles II was deposed because of his religion. James VII and II, married to Mary of Modena, produced a Catholic heir, James Francis Edward Stuart. For this James II was deposed and the family exiled in France.
In 1702, claiming his father’s lost throne, James Francis was attainted for treason in London, and his titles forfeited. The Jacobite Risings of 1715 and 1745 in Scotland, aimed, but failed, to put a Stewart (now Stuart) back on the Scottish throne.
The Royal Stewart “sett” is known as “the Royal Tartan”. The Stewarts have several tartans, the Royal being the most famous.
The royal line of male Stewarts was uninterrupted until the reign of Mary, Queen of Scots (1542 - 1587). Mary was executed for supposedly plotting against Elizabeth I of England. Her son James VI became James I of England (1566 - 1625) and ruled for 57 years. His son Charles I was beheaded for defying the government and Charles II was deposed because of his religion. James VII and II, married to Mary of Modena, produced a Catholic heir, James Francis Edward Stuart. For this James II was deposed and the family exiled in France.
In 1702, claiming his father’s lost throne, James Francis was attainted for treason in London, and his titles forfeited. The Jacobite Risings of 1715 and 1745 in Scotland, aimed, but failed, to put a Stewart (now Stuart) back on the Scottish throne.
The Royal Stewart “sett” is known as “the Royal Tartan”. The Stewarts have several tartans, the Royal being the most famous.