Alexander I of Scotland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Alexander I |
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The reverse of Alexander's seal, enhanced as a 19th-century steel engraving
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| King of Scots | |
| Reign | 8 January 1107 – 23 April 1124 |
| Predecessor | Edgar |
| Successor | David I |
| Born | c. 1078 Dunfermline |
| Died | 23 April 1124 (aged 45) Stirling |
| Burial | Dunfermline Abbey |
| Spouse | Sybilla of Normandy |
| Issue | Malcolm (illegitimate) |
| House | Dunkeld |
| Father | Malcolm III of Scotland |
| Mother | Margaret of Wessex |
Alexander I (born around 1078 – died April 23, 1124) was a King of Scotland. He was sometimes called The Fierce after his death. He ruled from 1107 until he died. Alexander took over as king after his brother, King Edgar. His younger brother, David, became king after him. Alexander was married to Sybilla of Normandy, who was the daughter of King Henry I of England.
Contents
Life of King Alexander I
Early Life and Family
Alexander was one of the sons of King Malcolm III and his wife, Queen Margaret. He was named after Pope Alexander II. He was the younger brother of King Edgar. Since Edgar did not have children, Alexander was next in line to become king. By 1104, Alexander owned land in Scotland, both north of the Forth River and in Lothian.
Becoming King and Sharing Power
When King Edgar died in 1107, Alexander became the new King of Scotland. However, Edgar had decided that their brother David should also receive some land. David was given control over the southern part of Scotland, which was once the kingdom of Strathclyde. This agreement was made with Edgar, Alexander, David, and their brother-in-law, King Henry I of England.
In 1113, David asked for more land in Lothian, near the Tweed and Teviot rivers. He received these lands, possibly with help from King Henry. David was not called "king" of these lands, but "prince of the Cumbrians." His lands were still under Alexander's main authority. This sharing of land did not seem to harm the relationship between Alexander and David.
Marriage and Family Life
In 1114, Alexander joined King Henry I of England in a military campaign in Wales. Alexander's marriage to Sybilla of Normandy, King Henry's daughter, might have happened around this time.
Some historical writings were not kind to Sybilla. However, other evidence suggests that Alexander and Sybilla were a loving couple. They did not have any children together. Sybilla died in July 1122 at a place called Eilean nam Ban (now Kenmore on Loch Tay). She was buried at Dunfermline Abbey. Alexander did not marry again after her death. He even planned to build a church there in her memory.
Alexander did have one son outside of his marriage, named Máel Coluim mac Alaxandair. This son later rebelled against Alexander's brother, David I, in the 1130s. He was kept in prison for many years.
Religious Actions
Like his brothers, Alexander was a very religious king. He helped establish religious centers at Scone and Inchcolm. He founded the one at Inchcolm to give thanks for surviving a bad storm at sea. He also had two towers built at the main entrance of Dunfermline Abbey, where his mother was buried.
Alexander also supported the church in Saint Andrews. He gave land for an Augustinian church there.
The Nickname "The Fierce"
Even though Alexander was religious, he was not known as a peaceful ruler. He showed his strong character when he dealt with problems in the area of Moray. One historical writer, Andrew of Wyntoun, said that Alexander was attacked by "men of the Isles" while at Invergowrie. Another writer, Walter Bower, said the attackers were from Moray and Mearns.
Alexander chased these attackers north to a place in Ross and defeated them. This is why he was given the nickname "The Fierce." The exact date of this event is not clear, nor is it certain who his enemies were. However, in 1116, records show that a grandson of Alexander's father was killed by men from Moray. The region of Moray was ruled by a family that had been kings of Scotland before.
Death
Alexander died in April 1124 at his court in Stirling. His brother David, who was likely the recognized heir after Sybilla's death, became king after him.
Fictional Portrayals
Alexander was shown in a fantasy novel called Pater Nostras Canis Dirus: The Garrison Effect (2010). In the book, Alexander is worried because he does not have children with his wife, Sybilla of Normandy. He mentions that his father-in-law, King Henry I of England, wants them to have a grandson.
See also
In Spanish: Alejandro I de Escocia para niños
