Ranulf I de Soules facts for kids

Ranulf de Soules was a brave Norman knight who came to Scotland a long time ago. He arrived with King David I and became his special helper, known as a cupbearer.

Ranulf's Early Life and Where He Came From

Ranulf was probably born in a place called the Cotentin Peninsula in France, near a town called Soulles. This was his family's main home. He was one of many young Norman men who joined King David I. David was gathering strong, loyal people from areas controlled by King Henry I of England. Ranulf was likely around the same age as David.

Ranulf was a tenant of David's, meaning he held land from him. He had a place called Great Doddington in England. To show his support for Jedburgh Abbey in Scotland, Ranulf later gave the church in Great Doddington to them.

Around 1112, Ranulf likely went with David to a region called Cumbria. David was like a governor there under England's King Henry. David encouraged Ranulf to build Liddel Castle in Liddesdale. This was to help control that area, which was often wild and difficult.

Building Liddel Castle

Ranulf de Soules built Liddel Castle. It was a motte and bailey castle, which means it had a raised earth mound (motte) with a tower and a walled courtyard (bailey). It was built where the Liddel and Esk rivers meet. The remains of this castle's earthworks can still be seen today.

The castle was probably built between 1115 and 1118. The first written mention of it was in a document from 1165. This document was a charter that William the Lion gave to the canons (religious leaders) of Jedburgh Abbey. It is important not to confuse Liddel Castle with Hermitage Castle, which was built later. It is also different from Liddel Strength, another castle built nearby, but just inside England.

Ranulf's Role as Cupbearer

King David I chose Ranulf to be his Cupbearer. This was the first time someone held this important role in Scotland in the Norman tradition. After King David died, Ranulf continued to serve as cupbearer for King Malcolm IV. He also served William the Lion during the early part of his rule.

What a Cupbearer Did

The cupbearer (also called a pincerna or butler) was not the most powerful official at court. However, this role, and others like it, gave the person who held it a lot of influence. They had a say in court matters and state affairs, much more than just serving drinks. They became trusted friends and advisors to the King.

Kings traveled a lot in those days, and their court officials, like the cupbearer, often went with them. Ranulf de Soules witnessed many important documents, called charters, for King David, King Malcolm IV, and King William.

Ranulf's Legacy

Ranulf de Soules likely died just before the year 1170. His nephew, who was also named Ranulf, took over his title as Lord of Liddesdale. This younger Ranulf was the son of Ranulf de Soules' brother, William.