Hugh de Morville, Constable of Scotland facts for kids

Hugh de Morville (died 1162) was a powerful Norman knight. He became very wealthy by serving David FitzMalcolm, who was first a prince and later the King of Scotland. Hugh was also the hereditary Constable of Scotland, which was a very important position, like being in charge of the king's army. He came from Appleby in Westmorland, England.

Early Life and Origins

Hugh came from a place called Morville in northern France. The exact details about his parents are not fully clear. He joined the service of Prince David of Scotland early in his career.

Working for King David

Prince David of Scotland received lands in northern France from King Henry I of England. Soon after, Hugh de Morville joined David's small group of knights in France.

In 1113, Prince David became the Earl of Huntingdon and Northampton. He also became the Prince of the Cumbrians, gaining control over southern Scotland. David achieved this with the help of his French followers, including Hugh.

David rewarded Hugh with lands in England, including the estates of Bozeat and Whissendine. These lands were part of David's earldom. Later, when David conquered northern England after 1136, Hugh was given the lordship of Appleby. This area later became known as the feudal barony of Appleby.

After the death of Edward the Constable, who was the Constable of Scotland, Hugh was given this important job. Edward likely died in 1138 at the Battle of the Standard. Hugh also received many other lands and lordships in Scotland. These made him one of the most important Anglo-Norman nobles there.

His new lands included the Lordship of Lauderdale, with a castle at Lauder. He also received estates in Haddingtonshire, Berwickshire, and near Melrose. In western Scotland, he was given the entire Lordship of Cunningham, which is the northern part of Ayrshire.

Family Life

Hugh married Beatrice de Beauchamp. She was the heiress of a manor called Houghton Conquest in Bedfordshire. Together, they had at least two sons and two daughters, including:

• Hugh de Morville, Lord of Westmorland (died around 1202): He inherited his father's lands in northern England. He was involved in the death of Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, in 1170. Because of this, he lost favor with King Henry II. In 1174, the King took away his Lordship of Westmorland. The King then gave it to Hugh's sister, Maud de Morville, who was married to William de Vieuxpont.
• Richard de Morville: He was likely the second son. He inherited his father's Scottish lands and other estates. He also took over the important job of hereditary Constable of Scotland.
• Simon de Moreville (died 1167): Another possible son. He lived at Kirkoswald, Cumbria. He married Ada de Engaine.
• Ada de Morville: She married Roger Bertram, who was the lord of Mitford in Northumberland, before 1157.
• Grace de Morville: Another possible daughter. She was married to Sir Hubert de Vaux, a powerful man from Cumbria.

Later Years and Death

In 1150, Hugh made another important contribution to southern Scotland. He founded Dryburgh Abbey for a group of religious people called Premonstratensian canons.

Hugh eventually retired and became a canon at Dryburgh Abbey. He died there in 1162. There is an old memorial to him in the south wall of the abbey, which is believed to mark his burial place.