Malise III, Earl of Strathearn facts for kids

Malise III of Strathearn (Gaelic: Maol Íosa; around 1257 – 1312) was an important Scottish nobleman. He was the powerful ruler of the region called Strathearn.

Malise III became the Earl of Strathearn after his father, Malise II, passed away in 1271. His mother was Matilda. Even though he took over in 1271, he didn't start using the title "Earl" until 1283. This might be because it took some time for his ownership of the land to be officially recognized.

Malise III: A Scottish Leader

Malise helped keep Scotland peaceful after King Alexander III died. This was a time when the country needed strong leaders. He even gathered people from lands belonging to Inchaffray Abbey to help keep order.

In 1284, Malise joined other Scottish nobles. They all agreed that Margaret, Maid of Norway should be the next queen. She was King Alexander's granddaughter.

A Time of Change in Scotland

After Margaret died, Scotland faced a big problem: who would be the next king? This period is known as the "interregnum," meaning "between reigns." Malise was very active in politics during this time.

He supported John Balliol in his claim to the throne. John was competing against Robert Bruce. Malise's marriage into the Comyn family, who were allies of Balliol, likely influenced his choice.

Malise fought alongside John Balliol at the Battle of Dunbar in 1296. Later, he promised loyalty to Edward I of England. King Edward even took two of Malise's sons as hostages. This was to make sure Malise behaved well and stayed loyal.

Challenges and Imprisonment

In 1297, Malise captured the uncle of the Earl of Fife for King Edward. He also captured the uncle's two sons. Malise was a good friend of the Prince of Wales, who later became King Edward II. In 1305, Malise was given an important job. He became the King's representative north of the Forth river.

In 1306, Malise was ordered to take the sons of the Steward of Scotland and the Earl of Atholl as hostages. But before he could do this, he was put in prison at Rochester Castle.

He was accused of giving up to King Robert Bruce. Malise said that King Robert and the Earl of Atholl had marched into Strathearn. He claimed they tricked him and forced him to show loyalty to Robert. Despite his explanation, he stayed in prison.

Malise's wife and sons asked King Edward for help. The King ordered an investigation, but nothing changed. Malise was moved to York in 1307. Finally, in 1310, he was found innocent and set free.

Malise was on the English side when King Robert attacked Perth Castle in 1312. Malise died later that same year. He was buried at Inchaffray Abbey, near the main altar.

Family Life

Earl Malise was married to a lady named Agnes. She was probably the second daughter of Alexander Comyn, Earl of Buchan. Countess Agnes was later imprisoned because she was involved in a plot against King Robert with her nephew, William Soules.

Malise and Agnes had three sons and one daughter:

• Malise IV: He became the next Earl of Strathearn.
• Gilbert: He went with King Edward to Flanders in 1297. He might have died or been killed there.
• Robert: He was imprisoned in the Tower of London in 1297 with other young Scottish nobles. We don't know what happened to him after that.
• Matilda: She married Robert de Toeni, Lord Toeni of Flamsted (1276–1309). He was the son of Ralph de Toeni.