Thane (Scotland) facts for kids
A Thane (pronounced 'Thane') was an important official in eastern Scotland during the Middle Ages. Think of them as a local manager for the king. A Thane was in charge of a special area called a thanedom or thanage. Their rank was similar to the son of an earl, who was a very high-ranking noble.
Contents
What Was a Thane?
A Thane was like a royal servant and a landowner all rolled into one. They managed a part of the king's land.
When Did Thanes First Appear?
The first time we see the word "Thane" in old records was between 1128 and 1136. This was during a meeting in Fife where a land problem was being solved. One person at the meeting was called the Thane of Falkland.
Over the next years, more Thanes were recorded. They were in charge of lands from East Lothian all the way to Moray. All these lands were controlled by the King of Alba (the old name for Scotland).
Thanes and Earls
Around the early 1200s, some Thanes also started working for powerful earls. For example, the Thanes of Dunning and Strowan were part of the Earldom of Strathearn.
A rule from 1221 even said that some Thanes could report to an earl instead of the king. But most Thanes in history worked directly for the king on royal lands.
How the Thane Role Started
The role of the Thane was introduced by King David I (who ruled from 1124 to 1153). He liked English ways and wanted to change the old Scottish Gaelic system.
Before Thanes, there were officials called tòiseach (pronounced 'TOE-shach'). This word means 'leader'. A tòiseach was like a deputy for a mormaer (an old Scottish noble, similar to an earl). They managed a part of the mormaer's land.
King David I used the title "earl" for the mormaers. Then, he used "Thane" for the tòiseach officials.
What Did a Thane Do?
A Thane was mainly a local administrator. They worked under a territorial earl or a royal steward. Their main job was to collect money and services from the lands they managed. They were allowed to keep some of this for themselves. This was called "Thane's right."
Even though Thanes often lived on the land they managed, this was just how they were paid. Their land wasn't directly linked to their power in that area.
Thanes After 1286
After King Alexander III died in 1286, the Thane's role changed. They now held their position as a special grant from the king, rather than being almost independent like the old tòiseach officials.
Thanes became more like English barons, but they had more power to make decisions and manage their areas. This power went beyond just the lands they owned. Later on, the word "Thane" was used less. People started using "baron" instead, but they often added that these barons had "regality." This term described the special, greater powers that Thanes (and powerful earls) had.
Famous Thanes in Stories
You might have heard of Thanes from famous stories!
Thanes in Macbeth
In William Shakespeare's famous play Macbeth (written in 1606), the main character, Macbeth, is first called the "Thane of Glamis". Later, he becomes the "Thane of Cawdor".
In real history, King Macbeth did fight a Thane of Cawdor who died in battle. But Macbeth himself did not become the Thane of Cawdor.
Thanes in Video Games
In the video game The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, players can earn the honorary title of "Thane". For example, you can become the Thane of Whiterun or other "holds" (regions) by completing quests for the local Jarl (a leader). Being a Thane in the game lets you buy land in those areas.
List of Thanages
Here are some of the areas that were once thanages in Scotland:
- Aberdeen
- Formartine
- Belhelvie
- Kintore
- Aberdeen
- Kincardine O'Neil
- Aboyne
- Angus
- Kinnaber
- Menmuir
- Clova
- Kinalty
- Tannadice
- Aberlermo
- Old Montrose
- Inverkeilor
- Idvies
- Forfar
- Glamis
- Downie
- Monifieth
- Banff
- Boyne
- Mumbrie
- Netherdale
- Aberchirder
- Conveth
- Glendowachy
- East Lothian
- Haddington
- Fife
- Falkland
- Kingskettle
- Dairsie
- Kellie
- Inverness
- Kinmylies
- Essich
- Kincardine
- Dingwall
- Durris
- Cowie
- Uras
- Arbuthnott
- Kincardine
- Fettercairn
- Newdosk
- Aberluthnott
- Laurencekirk
- Morphie
- Kinross
- Kinross
- Moray
- Brodie
- Dyke
- Cromdale
- Kilmalemnock
- Rathnech
- Fochabers
- Molen
- Nairn
- Cawdor
- Moynes
- Perth
- Alyth
- Strathardle
- Coupar Angus
- Longforgan
- Scone
- Kinclaven
- Glentilt
- Dull
- Fortingall
- Crannach
- Findowie
- Dalmarnock
- Strowan
- Auchterarder
- Dunning
- Forteviot
- Ross & Cromarty
- Dingwall
- Stirling
- Callendar
See Also
- Abthain
- Thane of Calder
- Thane of Cawdor
- Thane of Fife
- Thane of Lochaber
- Thegn
