Hostarius facts for kids

The Hostarius (also called Usher, Doorward, or Durward) was a special job in medieval Scotland. People who held this job were like guardians of the king's property. They were in charge of protecting the king's door and everything inside the royal household. Imagine them as the chief security guards for the king!

What Was a Hostarius?

The word "Hostarius" comes from a Latin word meaning "doorkeeper." In Scotland, this role was very important. The Hostarius was responsible for keeping the king's home and belongings safe. They made sure only the right people could enter and that the king's treasures were protected. It was a job that required a lot of trust and loyalty.

The King's Door Guardian

The Hostarius wasn't just a simple doorkeeper. They were a high-ranking official in the king's court. Their duties included managing access to the king's private rooms and ensuring order within the royal palace. They also helped organize royal ceremonies and events. Think of them as a mix of a security chief, a property manager, and an event coordinator for the king!

From Hostarius to Durward

Over time, the job of Hostarius became linked to a specific family. This family eventually took the title "Durward" as their last name. "Durward" is an old English way of saying "doorward" or "doorkeeper." So, the family's name literally meant "the doorkeepers."

For a while, it seemed like the job of Hostarius might be passed down from father to son, like a family business. This is called a hereditary office. However, by the late 1200s, this was no longer the case. Many different people held the title of Hostarius, and it wasn't just one family's job anymore.

A Unique Scottish Family

What's interesting about the Durward family is where they came from. Many important royal officials in Scotland during this time were of Anglo-Norman or French background. But the Durward family was different. They were native Gaelic people, meaning they came from the original Scottish population. They were part of a group connected to the ancient rulers of Mar, a powerful region in Scotland. This made them quite unique among the king's top officials.

Key People Who Held the Office

Some important people held the title of Hostarius over the years:

• Malcolm de Molle: He was the uncle of Alan fitz Walter, 2nd High Steward of Scotland, another important royal official.
• Jocelin: He served during the time of William the Lion, a Scottish king who ruled from 1165 to 1214.
• Thomas de Lundin: He was the son of Máel Coluim, who was the son of Gille Críst, Earl of Mar. Thomas passed away in 1231.
• Alan Durward: He was the son of Thomas de Lundin and became a very powerful and influential figure in Scottish politics. He died in 1275.