Lochlann of Galloway facts for kids

Lochlann of Galloway (died December 12, 1200), also known as Lochlan mac Uchtred or by his French name Roland fitz Uhtred, was an important leader in Galloway, a region in what is now Scotland. He was the son and successor of Uchtred, Lord of Galloway, taking over as the "Lord" or "sub-king" of eastern Galloway.

Lochlann's Family and Early Life

Lochlann was the oldest son of Uchtred, Lord of Galloway, and his wife, Gunhilda of Dunbar. His mother's family was connected to important Scottish figures. Lochlann had four siblings: two sisters, Eve and Christina, and two younger brothers, Fergus and another whose name is not known. Through his father, Lochlann was a great-grandson of King Henry I of England.

Lochlann's father, Uchtred, ruled Galloway with his brother, Gille Brigte, from 1161 to 1174. Uchtred was a strong supporter of Scotland. However, Gille Brigte sadly killed his brother Uchtred and tried to make Galloway part of England instead of Scotland. Gille Brigte offered money to the King of England if he would "remove them [the people of Galloway] from the service of the king of Scotland." But when King Henry's representatives found out what happened to Uchtred, who was Henry's cousin, they refused Gille Brigte's offer. Gille Brigte then had to make peace with both the Scottish and English kings and pay for his brother's death.

Lochlann was likely a young adult when his father was killed by his uncle. After his father's death, Lochlann made it clear that he was loyal to King William of Scotland. While his father had called himself "King of Galloway," Lochlann became "Lord of Galloway" after Gille Brigte died in 1185.

Becoming Constable of Scotland

Lochlann, son of Uchtred, married Helena, who was the daughter and only heir of Richard de Morville. Richard de Morville was the Constable of Scotland, a very important royal officer who was in charge of the king's army.

When Richard de Morville died in 1189, all his sons had already passed away. This meant that the important title of Constable of Scotland, along with all his lands in Scotland, went to Lochlann because of his marriage to Helena. Lochlann valued the title "Constable of the King of Scots" very highly, perhaps because it was a title of great honor that had not been involved in the family conflicts.

Lochlann was in England when he died in 1200. His son, Alan of Galloway, then became Lord of Galloway and, through his mother, also became Constable of Scotland.

Lochlann's Rule and Loyalty

After his uncle Gille Brigte died in 1185, Lochlann tried to take control of the lands that belonged to Gille Brigte's family. He had to fight against people who supported Gille Brigte's heir, including leaders named Gille Pátraic and Henric Cennédig. Lochlann defeated them, but resistance continued under another warrior named Gille Coluim of Galloway.

Lochlann's actions made King Henry II of England very angry. A few years before, Henry had taken Gille Brigte's son, Donnchad, as a hostage. This meant Henry was protecting Donnchad, the person Lochlann was trying to disinherit. King William of Scotland was told by Henry to stop Lochlann. However, William and Lochlann were friends. So, King Henry himself brought an army to Carlisle and threatened to invade unless Lochlann agreed to his judgment. Lochlann did agree. In the end, Lochlann kept most of Galloway, and Donnchad was given a new area called "Mormaerdom" of Carrick as a compromise.

Lochlann was very loyal to the King of Scotland, more so than any previous Lord of Galloway. He owed his lands to King William's support. While Lochlann's grandfather, Fergus, had called himself "King of Galloway," Lochlann's favorite title was "Constable of the King of Scots."

Lochlann also led King William's armies north into Moireabh to fight against a man named Domnall mac Uilleim. Domnall claimed to be the rightful heir to the Scottish throne. Lochlann defeated him in 1187 at the Battle of Mam Garvia, a place likely near Dingwall.

Unlike his uncle Gille Brigte, Lochlann welcomed people from France and England to settle in his eastern lands. In this, he was following the example of his king, William I of Scotland. Lochlann is not mentioned as much in old Gaelic records as other Lords of Galloway, which might suggest he was becoming less connected to the traditional Gaelic culture of the Irish Sea region.

In 1200, Lochlann was with King William in England, where William was showing respect to the new king, John. Lochlann used this chance to deal with legal matters in Northampton about his wife Helena's property. He died and was buried there. Lochlann and Helena had a son named Alan, who became the next Lord of Galloway.

In 1191 or 1192, Lochlann founded Glenluce Abbey, a religious house.

Marriage and Children

Before 1185, Lochlann married Elena de Moreville. She was the daughter and eventually the only heir of Richard de Morville, who was the Lord of Cunninghame and Constable of Scotland. Lochlann and Elena had five children:

• Alan of Galloway: Their oldest son, who became Lord of Galloway and Constable of Scotland after his father.
• Thomas of Galloway: He married Isabella, Countess of Atholl.
• Devorguilla of Galloway: She married Nicholas de Stuteville.
• Ada of Galloway: She married Walter Byset, Lord of Aboyne.
• A third son, whose name is not known, who died when he was young.