Bartolf Leslie facts for kids

St. Margaret depicted in a 13th-century manuscript

Bartolf, also known as Bartholomew, was an important nobleman. He came from Hungary and also lived in Scotland. He is known as the founder of the Leslie family. This family later became very important in Scotland. They hold titles like Earls of Leven and Earls of Rothes.

Bartolf arrived in Scotland in the year 1067. He came with Margaret, who later became St. Margaret. She was a queen of Scotland. Bartolf became the very first governor of Edinburgh Castle. This was a very important job. He married Princess Beatrix of Scotland. She was the sister of King Malcolm III. Together, they started the Leslie family. Some records suggest he lived into the 12th century.

Bartolf's Journey to Scotland

Bartolf was a nobleman from Hungary. He traveled to Scotland in 1067. He came with Prince Edgar Ætheling and his sister Margaret. This happened after the Norman conquest of England. The Norman conquest changed England greatly.

People say Bartolf was very brave. Because of his bravery, he was given an important role. He became the Governor of Edinburgh Castle. His father was supposedly named Walter de Lesthlin.

Titles and Nobility

Bartolf was given special titles in Scotland. King Malcolm Canmore supposedly made him the Earl of Ross. He was also given the title of Lord Lesley. This title later became Lord Leslie by 1445.

An old book from the 19th century talks about these titles. In this book, Bartolf's name is written in Latin. It is written as Bartholdus.

The "Grip Fast" Legend

Clan Leslie member badge bearing the motto Grip Fast which originates from Bartolf.

Bartolf had an important job as the Queen's Chamberlain. This meant he helped manage the royal household. One of his duties was to carry Queen Margaret on his horse. She would ride behind him on a special pad. She held onto a belt around his waist.

One day, they were crossing a river. The river was swollen and fast. The horse stumbled, and the Queen got scared. She cried out, "Will the buckle hold?" Bartolf quickly encouraged his horse. He shouted, "Grip Fast!" They made it safely to the other side.

This event was very important to Bartolf. He added two more buckles to his belt. So, three buckles on a belt became part of the Leslies' family symbol. Their family motto became "Grip Fast!" This story shows the bravery and quick thinking of Bartolf.

Bartolf's Later Life

Bartolf passed away in the year 1121. His titles were then passed to his son, Malcolm. Malcolm became the new Earl of Ross and Lord Lessley. Malcolm also became the constable of the royal castle at Inverurie. He held this position for King David I.

Later, Bartolf's great-grandson was Sir Norman de Leslie. Around 1282, Sir Norman got the lands of Fythkill. These lands were later called Leslie.