Robert Lyle, 2nd Lord Lyle (died 1497) was a Scottish nobleman from Duchal Castle in Renfrewshire. [1] He was at one point a loyal supporter of King James III and served as an ambassador to England in the 1470s and 1480s. During his service, Lord Lyle negotiated various treaties with England, including a three-year truce. [2]
In 1482, [1] after a series of disagreements, Robert was accused of plotting high treason against the King, James III. He was found not guilty and honorably acquitted. [3] In 1485, after James III repeatedly enraged the nobles, Robert Lord Lyle joined several other peers in a confederacy to depose the king. [4] Robert is thought to have been present at the 1488 Battle of Sauchieburn, when James III was killed. [1]
Robert Lord Lyle was appointed one of the commissioners at the opening of the Scottish Parliament in 1488. [5] He was an auditor and examiner during the inventory of King James III's property. [6]
In 1489, Robert and the Earl of Lennox started a rebellion against King James IV. [6] Lyle's Duchal Castle was eventually besieged for a week, with the famous cannon Mons Meg part of the King's armament. [7] The short-lived rebellion failed and Robert surrendered. [8] James IV bore no grudge toward Robert Lord Lyle and appointed Robert ambassador to England, as well as to the position of Chief Justiciar of Scotland. [9]
Robert Lord Lyle married at least twice. His second marriage, to Margaret Houston, produced eight children: Robert (the third Lord Lyle), George, Nicol, John, Margaret, Jonet, Marion, and Agnes. [10]