Ada, Countess of Atholl facts for kids

Ada, Countess of Atholl (born around 1221, died December 25, 1266), was an important noblewoman in medieval Scotland. She was the daughter of Forbhlaith, Countess of Atholl and David de Hastings. Ada inherited the title of Countess of Atholl directly from her mother. This meant she held the title in her own right, not just because she was married to an earl. This is called holding a title suo jure.

Ada's mother, Forbhlaith, was also a suo jure Countess. She was the heir to the mormaerdom of Atholl, a large area in the Scottish Highlands. A mormaerdom was a bit like a very old earldom or province in Scotland.

Ada's Family and Legacy

Ada married John de Strathbogie. John was the son of David of Strathbogie. He was also the grandson of Duncan II, who was the Earl of Fife. When Ada married John, he became an Earl too, but only because of his wife. This is known as jure uxoris, meaning "by right of his wife." Ada's own father had also held the title jure uxoris.

Ada and John had a son named David of Strathbogie. When Ada passed away, her son David inherited the title. He became the 8th Earl of Atholl. David was the first Earl of Atholl to use the Strathbogie name. Ada and John started the Strathbogie family line of Atholl Earls. This means they were the first in a long line of nobles who held this important title.

Ada died sometime before December 25, 1266.

See also

• Scotland in the High Middle Ages