Lord of Liddesdale facts for kids
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The Lord of Liddesdale was a very important title in medieval Scotland. It was like being a powerful ruler over a specific area called Liddesdale. This area is in the Scottish Borders, near the border with England. The Lord of Liddesdale was a very influential person, often a close advisor to the King of Scotland. The main stronghold for the Lordship was Hermitage Castle, which was known as the "strength of Liddesdale."
Contents
The Beginning of the Lordship
The title of Lord of Liddesdale was first created by David I of Scotland. He was a Scottish king who ruled a long time ago, between 1124 and 1153. Before he became king, David was known as the Prince of the Cumbrians. He gave the land of Liddesdale to a knight named Ranulf de Soules. Ranulf came from a place called the Cotentin Peninsula, which is in France.
The de Soules Family
The de Soules family held the Lordship of Liddesdale for many years. They were powerful and important in Scotland. However, in the 14th century, the de Soules family lost control of Liddesdale. This is called "forfeiture," meaning they lost their rights to the land, usually because of disloyalty to the king.
Lords from the de Soules Family
Here are some of the de Soules family members who held the title:
- Ranulf I de Soules (died before 1170)
- Ranulf II de Soules (died 1207)
- Fulk de Soules (died before 1227)
- Nicholas I de Soules (died before 1264)
- William I de Soules (died between 1292 and 1293)
- Nicholas II de Soules (died 1296)
- William II de Soules (died between 1320 and 1321) - He was the last de Soules Lord before the title was forfeited.
New Lords of Liddesdale
After the de Soules family lost the Lordship, it passed to other important Scottish families.
The Bruce and Douglas Families
For a short time, the Lordship was held by Sir Robert Bruce. He was an illegitimate son of Robert I of Scotland, also known as Robert the Bruce. After him, Sir Archibald Douglas became Lord.
The Douglas family then held the Lordship for a long time. They were one of the most powerful families in Scotland.
- William Douglas, 1st Earl of Douglas (lost the title in 1342; died 1384)
- Sir William Douglas of Lothian (died 1353)
- George Douglas, 1st Earl of Angus (died 1403)
- Sir James Douglas of Dalkeith (died 1420) - He held the Lordship until 1397.
Crown Control and More Douglas Lords
Sometimes, when a Lord was too young or there was no clear heir, the King would take control of the Lordship. This was called "Crown wardship."
- Crown wardship: 1403-1409
- William Douglas, 2nd Earl of Angus (died 1437)
- James Douglas, 3rd Earl of Angus (died 1446)
- George Douglas, 4th Earl of Angus (died 1463)
- Archibald Douglas, 5th Earl of Angus (lost the title in 1491; died 1513)
The Hepburn Family Takes Over
In 1491, King James IV of Scotland decided to take Liddesdale from the Douglas family. He gave it to the Hepburn family instead. The Douglas family was given the Lordship of Bothwell Castle as a replacement for their loss.
Lords from the Hepburn Family
- Patrick Hepburn, 1st Earl of Bothwell (died 1508)
- Adam Hepburn, 2nd Earl of Bothwell (died 1513)
- Patrick Hepburn, 3rd Earl of Bothwell (died 1556)
End of the Lordship
In 1540, the Lordship of Liddesdale was officially "annexed to the crown." This means it became a direct part of the King's own lands and was no longer a separate Lordship.
