John Comyn I of Badenoch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Comyn I of Badenoch
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| Died | c. 1275 |
| Noble family | Comyn family |
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| Father | Richard Comyn |
John Comyn (also spelled Cumyn) was an important Scottish noble. He was born around 1215 and died around 1275. He was known as the Lord of Badenoch, a powerful title in Scotland. In 1258, he served as a top judge, called a Justiciar, in the region of Galloway. John Comyn also owned land in areas like Nithsdale and Tynedale.
Contents
John Comyn's Life and Influence
A Powerful Family
The Comyn family was very powerful in Scotland during John's time. They held a lot of influence from 1249 to 1255. This was when Alexander III of Scotland was still a young boy. John Comyn was one of the key people who advised the young king.
Later, another noble, Alan Durward, took power from the Comyns. But John and his family returned to power in 1257-1258. Their strong actions, however, caused a reaction from England.
Battles and Castles
John Comyn fought for Henry III of England in 1265. This was during the Battle of Lewes in England. He fought alongside other important Scottish nobles. These included John Baliol the elder and Robert Bruce the elder. John Comyn was captured during this battle.
In 1267, King Henry III gave John permission to build a castle. This was Tarset Castle in Tynedale. It was near a place called Hexham.
John also began building Blair Castle in Scotland. He started with a tower in 1269. However, the castle was soon taken by David, Earl of Atholl.
Family Connections
John Comyn was the son of Richard Comyn. His grandfather was William Comyn, Lord of Badenoch. William was also an Earl through his wife.
John Comyn became Lord of Badenoch in 1258. He took over after his uncle, Walter Comyn. John was sometimes called the "Red Comyn." This nickname is more famously used for his grandson.
Final Years
In 1275, John Comyn helped lead a Scottish army. They went to the Isle of Man to stop a revolt. The Scottish forces successfully crushed this uprising.
Some historical records say he died in 1274. Other sources suggest he died in 1277. His son, John II, known as "the Black Comyn," became Lord of Badenoch after him.
John Comyn's Family
John Comyn had two wives during his life. His first wife was named Eva. She was likely the mother of his older children.
His second wife was named Alice. After his death, she was known as Lady Alice de Roos. Alice was the daughter of William de Ros of Helmsley and Lucy FitzPiers.
John Comyn had several children:
- John of Badenoch (died 1303): He took over from his father. John married Eleanor de Balliol. She was the daughter of John I de Balliol. They had children.
- William of Kirkintilloch (died 1291): He married Isabella Russell. They did not have children.
- Alexander Comyn of Dunphail (died 1330): He married Eva. She was the widow of Alexander Murray. They had children.
- Robert Comyn (died 1306): He married Margaret Comyn. She was the daughter of William Comyn. They had children.
- John Comyn of Ulceby: He also had children.
- A daughter who married Alexander of Argyll. They had children.
- A daughter who married Sir William Galbraith, 4th of that Ilk. They had children.
- A daughter who married two times. First, she married Richard Siward. Second, she married Geoffrey de Mowbray. She had children.
- A daughter who married Sir Andrew Moray. They had children.
