Richard de Morville facts for kids

Richard de Morville was an important person in Scotland during the 1100s. He was known as the Constable of Scotland. This was a very high-ranking job. Richard also owned a lot of land in Scotland, like Cunninghame, and in England, including places like Bozeat and Rutland. He took over these roles and lands after his father, Hugh de Morville, passed away in 1162. Richard de Morville himself died in 1189.

Richard's Contributions

Richard de Morville made several important contributions during his lifetime. He was involved in religious and community projects.

Helping Monks at Melrose Abbey

Around the year 1180, Richard de Morville gave special permission to the monks at Melrose Abbey. He allowed them to use some of his land for farming. This land was near a place called Blainslie and stretched towards the Leader Water. His son, William, also agreed to this gift.

Founding Kilwinning Abbey

Richard de Morville is believed to have founded the Abbey of Kilwinning in Cunningham. This abbey was for a group of monks called Tironensians. There is some debate among historians about the exact year it was founded. Some old records suggest 1191, but Richard had already died by then. Other dates like 1157 have also been mentioned. A historian named Ian B. Cowan thinks the abbey was most likely founded in 1187. Even though the exact details are lost, it is certain that Richard de Morville was the founder.

Establishing St Leonard's Hospital

Richard also set up a hospital in a town called Lauder. This hospital was named St Leonard's Hospital. Hospitals back then were often places that cared for the sick and poor.

Land in Eddleston

Later in the 1100s, Richard de Morville rented land in Eddleston. This area is now a parish in Peeblesshire. He rented it from the Bishop of Glasgow.

Richard's Family Life

Richard de Morville married a woman named Avice. She was the daughter of William de Lancaster I. Avice lived longer than Richard. They had at least four children together.

Richard's Children

• Malcolm: Sadly, Malcolm died in an accident while hunting. Another person, Adulf de St.Martin, was involved in the accident.
• William: William was alive in 1180. However, it is believed he passed away without having any children of his own.
• Maud: Maud married a man named William de Vieuxpont. He later became the Lord of Westmorland.
• Elena: Also known as Helena, Elena was born around 1167. She became her father's only heir. This meant she inherited all his lands and titles. Elena married Lochlann of Galloway, who was also known as Roland Fitz Uhrtred. Lochlann passed away in the year 1200.

Succession of Titles

After Richard de Morville died, his daughter Elena (Helena) became the sole heir. Her husband, Lochlann, then took on the important title of Constable of Scotland. He actually preferred this title over being called the Lord of Galloway.