Gille Brigte, Earl of Strathearn facts for kids

The second seal of Gille Brigte, from a document for the Abbey of Inchaffray.

Gille Brigte of Strathearn (1150–1223) was an important Scottish noble. He was also known as Gilbert. He held the title of the 3rd Earl or Mormaer of Strathearn. An Earl or Mormaer was a powerful leader in a region.

Gille Brigte was the oldest of three children. His parents were Ferteth, Earl of Strathearn and his wife Ethen. He first appeared in official records in 1164. This was when he witnessed a document for King William.

Becoming an Earl

Gille Brigte became Earl of Strathearn in 1171. He took over after his father passed away. Around this time, he also became the Justiciar of Scotia. This was the highest legal job in Scotland. It meant he was a top judge and law enforcer.

He did not often appear in public records. This suggests he had a peaceful time as Earl. He was more involved in church matters. He supported the new Abbey of Lindores.

Founding Inchaffray Abbey

In the year 1200, Gille Brigte and his wife started a new abbey. It was called Inchaffray Abbey. They built it to honor their oldest son, Gille Críst. He had died two years earlier. Gille Brigte also helped Dunblane Cathedral.

Gille Brigte passed away in 1223. He was likely in his 70s. Living that long was quite rare for people back then. His long life shows he had a mostly peaceful career.

Family Life and Children

Gille Brigte was married two times. His first wife was Matilda, also called Maud. She was the daughter of William de Albini Brito. His second wife was Ysenda. She owned land in Abercairny. Ysenda had two brothers, Sir Richard and Galfric of Gask.

Gille Brigte had ten children with his first wife, Matilda. They had seven sons and three daughters.

Gille Brigte's Children

• Gille Críst: He owned lands in Kinveachy and Glencarnie. He died on October 5, 1198.
• William: He passed away around 1209.
• Ferchar: He also passed away around 1209.
• Robert: Born in 1176, he lived until 1244. He became the 4th Earl of Strathearn after his father.
• Fergus: He owned lands in Auchtermuchty. He passed away around 1247.
• Malise (Máel ĺsu): He owned lands in Rossie. He had two sons named Malise and Nicholas.
• Gille Brigte/Gilbert of Glencarnie: He owned lands in Glencarnie. He also had a son named Gille Brigte. His family line ended with his granddaughter, Matilda. She was the mother of Duncan Grant. Duncan's family later became the Earls of Seafield.
• Matilda or Maud: She married Malcolm (Máel Coluim). He became the Earl of Fife.
• Cecilia: She married Walter Ruthven. His family later became the Earls of Gowrie.
• Eithne: She married David de la Hay. He was the 7th Earl of Erroll. His family later became the Earls of Erroll.