Gille Críst, Earl of Mar facts for kids

Gille Críst of Mar was an important leader in Scotland long ago. He was the fourth-known mormaer of Mar. A mormaer was like a powerful local ruler or earl. Gille Críst led the region of Mar from about 1183 to 1203.

Gille Críst: A Scottish Leader

Becoming Mormaer of Mar

Gille Críst became mormaer after a leader named Morggán. It's not fully clear how they were related. We know Gille Críst was not Morggán's son. His rise to power might have followed old Scottish (Gaelic) traditions for choosing leaders. However, historians don't know much about how Mar was governed back then.

Gille Críst's Family

Gille Críst had two sons, named Máel Coluim and Eoin. He also had a daughter, but her name is not known. His daughter was very important for the future of Mar. She married a man named Máel Coluim of Lundie. Their son, Thomas Durward, later tried to claim the leadership of Mar. This shows how family connections were key to power in those times.

His Wife: Orabilis

Gille Críst's wife was a woman named Orabilis. She was the daughter of Ness fitzWilliam, who was a lord from Leuchars. Orabilis had been married before she married Gille Críst. Her first husband was Robert de Quincy, and her second was Adam, the son of Duncan I, Earl of Fife.