Richard Siward (died 1311) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Richard Siward
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| Lord of Kellie | |
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Coat of arms of Richard Siward
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| Noble family | Siward |
| Spouse(s) | Firstly: unknown Secondly: Mary |
| Father | Richard Siward |
| Mother | Philippa Basset, countess of Warwick |
Richard Siward (died in 1311) was an important Scottish noble from the 1200s and early 1300s. He was known as the Lord of Kellie.
Richard was the son of an English adventurer, also named Richard Siward, and a wealthy woman named Philippa Basset. His parents got married in 1230 but later divorced in 1242. Young Richard stayed with his father after the divorce.
His father moved to Scotland where King Alexander II welcomed him. The King gave the elder Richard land in Fife, including the area of Kellie and lands in Aberdour. When his father died in 1248, young Richard stayed in Scotland. He became a "royal ward," meaning the King looked after him.
Contents
Richard Siward's Roles and Battles
Richard Siward became an important figure in Scotland. In 1292, he was in charge of several castles. These included Wigtown, Dumfries, and Kirkcudbright Castle. Being a constable meant he was responsible for keeping these castles safe.
Captured at Dunbar
In 1296, a big battle happened at Dunbar. Richard Siward was captured during the Battle of Dunbar on April 27. He was taken as a prisoner to the Tower of London in England. He stayed there until August 1297 when he was finally set free.
To make sure Richard would behave, his son John was kept as a hostage. This was a common practice in those times to ensure loyalty.
Building and Serving
Around 1298, Richard Siward may have helped build or improve Tibbers Castle. This castle was under English control at the time.
He also held important government jobs. In 1305, he was the sheriff of Fife. A sheriff was like a chief law enforcement officer for a region. The next year, in 1306, he became the sheriff of Dumfries. He was also the constable of Dumfries Castle again.
Later Years
Later, Robert the Bruce became a key leader in Scotland. He fought against English control. After Robert the Bruce killed John Comyn, he started taking over castles held by the English. Tibbers Castle was one of these. Richard Siward was arrested along with other English officials during these events.
Family Life
Richard Siward was married twice. From his first marriage, he had four children. We know the names of two of them: Richard and John.
His second wife was named Mary. She was the widow of Simon Fraser, who had died in 1291. Richard and Mary did not have any children together.
