Thomas de Lundin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas de Lundin
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| Noble family | de Lundin |
| Spouse(s) | daughter of Máel Coluim, Earl of Atholl |
| Issue | Alan de Lundin (The Durward) Colin de Lundin |
| Father | Máel Coluim of Lundie |
| Mother | daughter of Gille Críst, Earl of Mar |
Thomas de Lundin, also known as Thomas Durward, was an important Scottish nobleman who lived in the 1200s. He was a trusted helper to the King of Scotland.
Contents
Who Was Thomas de Lundin?
Thomas de Lundin got his name from a place called Lundie in Angus. He was one of two sons of Máel Coluim of Lundie. His father married the daughter of a powerful leader, Gille Críst, Earl of Mar.
A Claim to Power
After Earl Gille Críst died, Thomas believed he had a right to part of the Earldom of Mar. He challenged the new Earl, Donnchad. Even though Donnchad kept the main title, Thomas and his family received a large area of land. This land was in the lower, flatter parts of the earldom.
Thomas's Important Job
Thomas de Lundin had a special job for King Alexander II of Scotland. He was the King's hostarius, which means "door-ward" or "usher". This was a very important role, like a chief doorkeeper or a high-ranking assistant. Because of this job, Thomas's family later took the name "Durward."
Family Life
Thomas married a daughter of Máel Coluim, Earl of Atholl. Her name is not known today. Together, they had at least two sons: Alan and Cailean. Thomas was last mentioned in official papers in the year 1228.
Gifts to the Church
Thomas was a generous man. Between 1214 and 1227, he gave the church of Echt and its income to the Abbey of Scone. Scone was a very important place in Scotland. It was where Scottish Kings were crowned. This gift shows that Thomas had strong connections and was a respected figure.
The Legacy of the Durwards
Thomas's son, Alan Durward, became even more famous. Alan owned many large estates, especially in Aberdeenshire. He also received lands near Loch Ness, including Urquhart Castle. It is believed that Alan built the oldest parts of Urquhart Castle, which is now a popular place to visit.
Supporting Robert the Bruce
Later, Alan Durward's lands were taken away by King Edward of England. This happened because Alan supported Robert the Bruce, who became King of Scotland. After Alan died in 1275, his large estates were divided among his three daughters.
