House of Moray facts for kids

The House of Moray or Clann Ruaidrí was the name for a powerful family of rulers in early Scotland. Their main base was in a region called Moray. Sometimes, they even ruled a much larger part of the kingdom. This family was very important in Scottish politics during the 1000s. They became most powerful when Macbeth was king, from 1040 to 1057.

The Clann Ruaidrí family first appears in historical records around the year 1020. This was when Findláech mac Ruaidrí was killed by his nephews, who were the sons of Máel Brigte. Findláech's death is written about in old Irish books called the Annals of Tigernach and the Annals of Ulster. In these books, he is called a Mormaer of Moray (a powerful regional ruler) and even a King of Alba (an old name for Scotland).

When a different family held the main Scottish throne, the leaders of Moray often had their own independent state. Here, a series of kings (or "kinglets") or mormaers ruled Moray.

The way leaders were chosen in Moray often followed a rule called tanistry. This meant that different branches of the family would take turns ruling. This helped keep a balance between the important parts of the family. This system was common in many old societies. It was different from primogeniture, where the oldest son always inherits. For example, Macbeth, King of Scotland came from one part of the family, and his stepson Lulach came from another.

Family Tree of Moray Rulers

This chart shows the main family members of the Clann Ruaidrí, also known as the "House of Moray." It lists their names, when they lived or died, and their titles.

See also

• Scotland in the Early Middle Ages
• Scotland in the High Middle Ages
• Scottish monarchs family tree
• Style of the monarchs of Scotland