Lord of Argyll facts for kids
The Lordship of Argyll was a very important historical area in Scotland. It was like a special region ruled by powerful families. These families were descendants of a famous leader named Somerled. One of the main families who ruled this area was known as Clan MacDougall.
The building of the Lordship of Argyll-Lorne really began with Donnchadh mac Dubhgaill. He was the son of Dubgall mac Somairle.
During Donnchadh's time, big fights that had caused wars in western Scotland were ending. These fights had been happening since Somerled's time. Ruaidhri mac Raghnaill, who was the son of Ragnall mac Somairle and a powerful leader, was now at peace. He was friendly with Ailean mac Lachlainn, another important Scottish lord.
In this peaceful time, King Alexander II of Scotland led trips into Argyll in 1221 and 1222. These trips helped Donnchadh become recognized as the Lord of Lorne. Donnchadh strongly supported the Scottish king. He stood against the interests of other powerful leaders like Ruaidhri mac Raghnaill.
These trips into Argyll seemed to give Donnchadh control over all the families in Argyll. He took this power from Ruaídhrí. Around 1225, Donnchadh was mentioned in an important document. This document used the name "Donnchadh de Argadia" which means "Donnchadh of Argyll." This was the first time his family used "of Argyll" as part of their name. It showed they were among the most important noble families in Scotland.
In 1229, the king of the Isle of Man, Ragnvald Godredsson, was killed. The people of Man worried about Scotland or Galloway getting involved. So, they asked for help from Norway. A Norwegian group, led by Óspakr-Hákon, who was probably Donnchadh's brother, attacked Kintyre. In 1230, they also attacked the Isle of Bute, which was controlled by the Stewarts. This attack did not succeed, and Óspakr died. Donnchadh kept his strong hold on the Argyll lordship.
The Mormaerdom or Kingdom of Argyll was also an important lordship in High Medieval Scotland.
Early Rulers of Argyll
These were some of the early leaders of Argyll:
- Somhairle mac Gillebride (?? - 1164)
- Ragnall mac Somairle (1164 - 1207)
- Domhnall mac Raghnaill (1207 - ??)
Stewart Lords of Lorne
- The title Lord of Lorne was held by the Stewart family.
Campbell Lords of Lorne
- The Campbell family leaders from Lochawe later inherited the Lorne lordship. They got it through Isabel Stewart, who was the daughter of the 2nd Lord of Lorne. The Campbells later received the titles of Earl and then Duke of Argyll.
