Alan II, Earl of Menteith facts for kids
Alan II, Earl of Menteith was an important Scottish nobleman who lived in the early 1300s. He held the title of Earl of Menteith, which meant he was a powerful leader in Scotland during a time of great change and conflict.
Life as a Scottish Noble
Alan II was the son of another important figure, Alan, Earl of Menteith. We first learn about Alan II from official records in 1307. These records mention him in an order about food supplies, which suggests he might have been held as a prisoner by the English at that time.
It seems that Alan II was indeed an English prisoner for a while. However, he either managed to escape and rejoin the Scottish forces, or he was part of a prisoner exchange. This means he might have been traded for an English nobleman who was held captive by the Scots.
In 1315, a significant agreement was made. Alan II's cousin, named Duncan, was the Earl of Fife. Duncan decided that if he didn't have any children who could legally inherit his title, then Alan II would be the next person in line to become the Earl of Fife. This shows how important Alan II was in the Scottish nobility. Alan II passed away sometime before August 1, 1323. After his death, his uncle, Muireadhach III, took over the title of Earl of Menteith.
Family Life
Alan II, Earl of Menteith, was married, but the name of his wife is not known from historical records. He had at least one child, a daughter named Mary II, Countess of Menteith. She would later become a Countess in her own right, continuing the family's noble line.