Gospatric (sheriff of Roxburgh) facts for kids
Gospatric was an important person in early Scotland, known as the first sheriff of Roxburgh. A sheriff was like a local leader or official who helped the king manage an area. Roxburgh was a burgh, which means it was a town with special rights, often a center for trade and government. Gospatric's father was thought to be Uhtred, son of Ulfkill.
Gospatric's Role as Sheriff
Gospatric is first mentioned as "Cospatricio vicecomite" (which means "Gospatric the Sheriff") in a very old document called a charter. This charter was for the founding of Selkirk Abbey, a religious building. It was issued by Earl David, who later became King David I. This document was probably written between 1120 and 1124, or possibly as early as 1114.
Gospatric's role as sheriff is also confirmed in another important document. He was a witness to a grant (a gift of land or rights) made by King David I to Durham Cathedral Priory. This happened sometime between April 1126 and March 1127. Being a witness to such important documents showed that Gospatric was a trusted and respected official in the king's court.
Connections to Roxburgh
Gospatric also witnessed a grant of land in Roxburgh itself. This grant was given to the church of St John, located near Roxburgh Castle. This event took place between 1124 and 1133. Because of this document, many historians believe that Gospatric was specifically the sheriff of Roxburghshire, the area around Roxburgh.
During his time in Roxburgh, Gospatric became friends with Aelred of Rievaulx. Aelred was an important church leader who worked as a steward (a manager) in King David I's household in Roxburgh. This connection shows that Gospatric was part of the king's inner circle.
Land and Legacy
Gospatric also owned land during King David I's rule. He had a large area called the barony of Crailing. A barony was a significant piece of land controlled by a baron, a powerful noble. Gospatric gave the churches on his land in Crailing to the abbot of Jedburgh, another important religious leader. This act shows his support for the church. Today, an ancient stone cross from that time still stands in Crailing, near Lothian Hall.
See also
- Thor of Tranent
- Máel Bethad of Liberton
- Máel Brigte of Perth
