Richard Comyn facts for kids

Richard Comyn was an important person in Scotland a long time ago. He was the son of Sir William de Comyn, who was like a top officer for the King of Scotland. His mother was Maude Basset, and he was also the nephew of William Cumin.

Richard was likely born around 1115 to 1123. When he was older, his uncle, William Comyn, gave him Northallerton Castle in 1144. This was a castle William had built himself. Richard also got the important area of Richmond, which included a castle. In 1145, Richard married Hextilda. Her father was Uchtred, Lord of Tynedale. Her mother, Bethoc, might have been the daughter of King Donald III of Scotland.

Richard's Important Jobs

In Scotland, Richard became a Justiciar of Lothian. This was a very important job, like a chief judge or administrator for a large area. He helped the kings by witnessing many important documents called charters. He witnessed 6 charters for King Malcolm IV and 33 for King William I.

Captured in Battle

In 1174, Richard Comyn was captured along with King William I. This happened during a time of conflict. After his capture, Richard was held as a hostage. This was part of a peace agreement called the Treaty of Falaise.

Giving to the Church

Richard and his wife Hextilda were generous. They gave land to several religious places. These included the monks at Hexham, Kelso, and Holyrood. Richard Comyn passed away sometime between 1179 and 1182. After he died, Hextilda married again to Máel Coluim, Earl of Atholl.

Richard's Children

Richard and Hextilda had four sons and three daughters.

Sons

• John: He passed away when he was young, between 1152 and 1159. He was buried at Kelso Abbey.
• William: He later became an Earl through his marriage.
• Odinel (also called Odo): He became a priest. He witnessed some of Richard's documents about gifts to religious houses in 1162 and 1166.
• Simon: He is mentioned in a document from 1166. This document was about a gift to the Augustinians at Holyrood.

Daughters

• Idonea
• Ada
• Margaret: She became the Countess of Atholl when she married Henry, Earl of Atholl.

Richard's daughters also witnessed an important gift. This gift was made by their mother Hextilda and her second husband, Máel Coluim, Earl of Atholl. They gave something to the Church of St Cuthbert in Durham.