Donnchadh, Earl of Lennox facts for kids

Donnchadh of Lennox was an important Scottish noble who was the Mormaer of Lennox (which means 'Earl of Lennox') from 1385 to 1425. He was the son of Baltar mac Amlaimh and Margaret. His mother, Margaret, was the daughter of Domhnall, Earl of Lennox.

Becoming Earl of Lennox

When Donnchadh's grandfather, Domhnall of Lennox, passed away in 1365, Donnchadh's mother, Margaret, became the ruler of Lennox. Domhnall had wanted Donnchadh to eventually take over the Earldom. However, Donnchadh's father, Baltar, also wanted to rule.

It's not clear exactly how things became difficult between them. But it seems Donnchadh grew impatient. In 1384, King Robert II officially gave the Earldom to Baltar. However, just one year later, Baltar and Margaret gave the Earldom to their oldest son, Donnchadh. This is how Donnchadh became the ruler.

But in 1388, Baltar and Margaret were given control of the Earldom again for the rest of their lives. Donnchadh still kept the title of Earl. During this time, Donnchadh was kept at Inchmurrin castle, a strong building on Loch Lomond.

Alliances and Challenges

Donnchadh had to form strong connections with Robert Stewart. Robert was the second son of King Robert II and was a very powerful figure who ruled much of Scotland.

In 1392, Donnchadh met Robert Stewart at Inchmurrin. They made a deal: Donnchadh agreed to marry his daughter, Isabella, to Robert's son, Muiredach. In return, Robert would help Donnchadh secure his Earldom. Since Donnchadh's grandfather, Domhnall, had no other heirs, this agreement meant that the Earldom would pass to the Stewart family after Donnchadh died. It took many years, but Robert Stewart eventually kept his promise.

Donnchadh became closely linked with the powerful Stewart family. Robert Stewart acted as a regent (someone who rules for a king when the king is too young or away) while King James I was held prisoner in England. Robert Stewart tried to prevent King James from returning to Scotland. After the king did return, these powerful Stewart family members challenged the king's authority.

Downfall and Legacy

Donnchadh's strong ties to the Stewart family eventually led to his downfall. In 1425, he gathered his men from Lennox to join a rebellion against King James I. He supported Muiredach and his son Walter in this uprising.

Sadly, Donnchadh was captured and executed in Stirling, along with several of his close relatives. He was the last male ruler from his family line.

Family Life

Donnchadh married Helen, the daughter of Archibald Campbell of Lochawe. Helen was also the widow of a man named John of the Isles.

Donnchadh and Helen had three children:

• Isabella, Countess of Lennox: She married Murdach Stewart.
• Elizabeth: She married John Stewart of Darnley around 1406.
• Margaret: She married Robert Menteith around July 25, 1392.

Donnchadh also had four other sons:

• Malcolm
• Thomas
• Donald Lennox of Balcarroch
• William