Donnchadh IV, Earl of Fife facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Donnchadh IV
Arms of Duncan, Earl of Fife
Earl of Fife
In office 1288–1353

Donnchadh IV, also known as Duncan IV, was an important Scottish nobleman. He lived from 1289 to 1353. He was the Earl of Fife and also a "Guardian of Scotland." He was the last native Scottish ruler of Fife with the old title of Mormaer.

Early Life and Role

Donnchadh was born in late 1289. This was the same year his father, Donnchadh III of Fife, was murdered. Because of this, Donnchadh IV became the Mormaer (a type of regional ruler) of Fife when he was just a baby.

He was too young to perform an important duty: crowning the new king. Normally, the Mormaer of Fife had the special right to crown the King of Scots. When John Balliol became king, a knight named John de St. John had to do the crowning instead.

Donnchadh also missed the crowning of Robert the Bruce. This was because he was held captive in England at the time. So, Robert the Bruce had to ask Donnchadh's sister, Isabella MacDuff, to perform the ceremony.

Supporting Robert the Bruce

At first, people weren't sure if Donnchadh truly supported Robert the Bruce. But in 1315, a year after the famous Battle of Bannockburn, Donnchadh showed his loyalty. He gave up his title as Mormaer to King Robert. Then, King Robert gave it back to him.

This agreement was very important. It made sure that the King of Scotland would never hold the title of Mormaer of Fife. It also ensured that the coat of arms for Fife would always be different from the royal arms. If Donnchadh died without children, King Robert would choose the next ruler of Fife. This would likely be Alan of Menteith. This was important because Donnchadh's wife was held by the English. Also, the people of Fife wanted to keep their own local ruler.

Donnchadh was part of the talks that led to the Treaty of Edinburgh-Northampton. This treaty helped end the wars between Scotland and England. He also signed the Declaration of Arbroath. This was a famous letter that told the Pope that Scotland was an independent country.

Later Battles and Capture

Donnchadh fought alongside those loyal to Robert the Bruce at the Battle of Dupplin Moor. During this battle, he was captured. After being captured, he changed sides. He then helped Edward Balliol become King of Scots. Donnchadh and William Sinclair, the Bishop of Dunkeld, crowned Edward Balliol at Scone on September 24, 1332.

The next year, on July 19, 1333, Donnchadh fought with the Scottish army again. This was at the Battle of Halidon Hill. He was captured once more during this battle.

Family and Legacy

In 1306, Donnchadh married Mary de Monthermer. She was a granddaughter of Edward I of England. Donnchadh died in 1353. He did not have any sons to inherit his title.

Donnchadh IV is important because he was the last male Gaelic ruler of Fife. After him, his daughter Isabella of Fife became the ruler of Fife. Isabella married four times:

• William Ramsay of Colluthie. He became Earl of Fife through his marriage to Isabella. They had a daughter named Elizabeth Ramsey.
• Walter Stewart, who was a son of Robert II of Scotland. He also became Earl of Fife through his marriage to Isabella.
• Thomas Biset of Upsetlington, who became Earl of Fife through his marriage to Isabella.
• John Dunbar, who also became Earl of Fife through his marriage to Isabella.

Isabella later gave the Earldom of Fife to Robert Stewart, 1st Duke of Albany in 1371.