Lord of Badenoch facts for kids
The Lord of Badenoch was a powerful leader who controlled a large area called Badenoch in Scotland during the 1200s and early 1300s. This region is in the central Highlands of Scotland. Being a "Lord" meant you were a very important person, often a noble, who managed and protected a specific territory.
The lordship of Badenoch might have been created after a conflict where William Comyn, jure uxoris Earl of Buchan, a high-ranking official in Scotland, defeated a group called the Meic Uilleim. However, there isn't clear proof that the Meic Uilleim actually owned land in Badenoch. The Comyn family became very important in Badenoch.
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Who Were the Lords of Badenoch?
The Lords of Badenoch were usually powerful nobles who held significant influence and land in the Badenoch region. This title gave them control over the area, its people, and its resources. They were like local rulers, managing the land and its affairs.
The Comyn family was the first major family to hold the title of Lord of Badenoch. They were a very influential family in Scotland during the 13th century. Their control over Badenoch was a key part of their power.
Important Lords and Their Times
Several important figures held the title of Lord of Badenoch. Each played a part in the history of this Scottish region.
- Walter Comyn (died 1258): He was one of the earliest known Lords of Badenoch. He also became an Earl through his marriage.
- John Comyn I (died 1277): He continued the Comyn family's control over Badenoch.
- John Comyn II (died 1302): Another member of the Comyn family who held the lordship.
- John Comyn III (died 1306): He was the last Comyn to hold the title directly. After his death, the lordship was taken over by the Scottish Crown.
How the Lordship Changed Hands
After John Comyn III died in 1306, the lordship of Badenoch was taken by the King of Scotland. This meant the Comyn family lost their direct control. Even though John's son still claimed the title, it was no longer officially theirs.
Later, the Badenoch lands became part of a much larger area called the Earldom of Moray. This earldom was recreated for Thomas Randolph in 1312. He was a very important figure in Scottish history.
When John Randolph, 3rd Earl of Moray died in 1346, the Earldom of Moray, including Badenoch, went back to the Crown.
The lordship was later given to Alexander Stewart, Earl of Buchan, who was famously known as the "Wolf of Badenoch." He was a powerful and sometimes feared figure in the late 1300s. After him, Alexander Stewart, Earl of Mar held the title.
Finally, King James II granted the lordship to Alexander Gordon, 1st Earl of Huntly. From then on, the title was passed down through his family. You can learn more about his successors by looking up the Marquess of Huntly.
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