Robert Lauder of Quarrelwood facts for kids

Urquhart Castle

Sir Robert de Lawedre (also known as Lauder) was a very important Scottish soldier who lived a long time ago, around the 1300s. He was known as "Robert the Good." He was the Captain of Urquhart Castle, a famous castle in Scotland. He also held a big job called Justiciar of Scotia, which meant he was like a chief judge or law enforcer for the northern part of Scotland. He owned lands in places like Quarrelwood, Edrington, and the Bass.

Early Life and Family

Robert de Lawedre was likely born around the year 1310. He was the oldest son of another important person, Sir Robert de Lawedre of the Bass, who passed away in 1337. His mother was Elizabeth.

When he was young, in 1323, Robert traveled with his father, who was one of Scotland's ambassadors. They were trying to make peace with England. Robert was part of their group, learning from his father.

In 1324, when he was still young, Robert received some land and money from Patrick de Dunbar, the Earl of March. This shows he was already becoming an important person in Scotland.

A Brave Soldier and Leader

Sir Robert de Lawedre had a very active career. In 1328, he was given the important role of Justiciar for the northern part of Scotland, north of the River Forth. This meant he was in charge of law and order there. His main home was near Elgin.

He received payments for his work as a knight and Justiciar. Even when he was older, in 1363, King David II made sure he received a regular payment, showing how much he was valued.

Defending Urquhart Castle

Robert de Lawedre and his father were both involved in the battle of Halidon Hill in 1333. After this difficult battle, young Sir Robert, as the Justiciar of the North, quickly went to take control of Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness. This castle was one of the few places that managed to hold out against the English King Edward I. Robert held lands like Quarrelwood and Kinsteary, which stayed in his family for many years.

He was known as 'Robertus de Lavadre, Lord of Quarrelwood, in Moray.' He even set up a special fund to support a chaplain (a priest) at the Cathedral Church of Moray, showing his religious devotion.

Captured in Battle

Sir Robert de Lawder was also involved in other fights. In 1332, he was captured near Jedburgh during a surprise attack against Edward Baliol's group. He fought alongside Archibald Douglas at the battle of Halidon Hill.

Losing and Gaining Lands

During the wars with England, King Edward III of England took away some of Robert's family lands. For example, his daughter Mariotta lost some land in Paxton. His father's lands, like Balgone and Garvald, were also taken after his father died in 1337.

However, Robert also owned lands in Inverness-shire and Forres. He continued to be an important figure, even witnessing important legal documents, like one at the siege of Falkland Castle in 1337.

Later, around 1340, Robert de Lawder was a witness to another important document concerning land in Bara, East Lothian.

Robert Lauder was also at the Battle of Neville's Cross in 1346, where he was taken prisoner.

His Family

We don't know the name of Sir Robert's wife, but we know he had at least five children: three sons and two daughters.

• William de Lawedre: He was the oldest son. He passed away in 1375 without having any children.
• Alan de Lawedre: He inherited lands in Whitslaid and Haltoun House. He passed away before 1407.
• Hector de Lawedre: He was a 'man-at-arms' from Scotland. He traveled to England a few times in the 1360s.
• Mariotta de Lawedre: She was mentioned in records from 1335-1336 as living on land that her father lost to the English.
• Ann de Lawedre: She married Sir Robert Chisholm. Her father gave her a lot of his northern lands as a wedding gift.

Last Known Mentions

One of the last times Sir Robert Lauder is mentioned is in a document where he gave land near his town of Lauder to Thomas de Borthwick. This happened around 1370. His son Alan and grandson Robert were witnesses to this event.