Muireadhach II, Earl of Menteith facts for kids
Muireadach II of Menteith (also known as Murethach, Murdoch, or Maurice) was an important leader in Scotland. He ruled the area of Menteith from 1213 to 1231. He was the son of Gille Críst and was the third known Mormaer of Menteith. A Mormaer was a powerful leader, similar to an Earl, who governed a large region.
Muireadach became the Mormaer of Menteith after a disagreement with his older brother, who was also named Muireadhach. To tell them apart, his brother was called Muireadhach Mór (meaning "the elder"). Muireadach II was sometimes called Muireadhach Óg (meaning "the younger"). The king helped decide who should be the leader. On December 13, 1213, Muireadhach Mór gave up his leadership. He received other lands and titles instead.
Contents
Muireadach's Public Life
Muireadach Óg was a very important person in his time. He was one of seven mormaers who attended the crowning of King Alexander II of Scotland in 1214. Muireadach also joined the king for the funeral procession of his father, King William of Scotland. This shows how close he was to the royal family.
Working with the King
Muireadach Óg continued to work with King Alexander II. In 1224, he was with the king when a special document was created. This document, called a charter, gave rights to Paisley Abbey. This shows his involvement in important legal and religious matters.
Sheriff of Stirling
By 1226, Muireadach was also known as the "Sheriff of Stirling". A sheriff was a royal official. They were in charge of keeping law and order in a specific area. This role highlights his power and responsibility in the region.
Family and Legacy
Muireadach II of Menteith did not have any sons who could inherit his title. However, he had two daughters. His daughter Isabella (also called Iosbail) married a man from the Comyn family. His other daughter, Maria (also called Màire), married a man from the Stewart family. Both of his daughters later became countesses themselves. This meant they held important titles and lands in their own right.
End of His Rule
Muireadach died sometime before January 1234. After his death, a new leader took over the title of Mormaer of Menteith.
