Thomas de la Hay facts for kids

Sir Thomas de la Hay, 7th Lord of Erroll (born around 1342 – died July 1406) was a very important person in Scottish history. He held the powerful position of Lord High Constable of Scotland. This role was like being a chief officer or commander for the king.

Sir Thomas was the third person from the Hay family to become the Lord High Constable. His father was David de la Hay, and his mother was a daughter of John Keith of Innerpeffer.

Sir Thomas de la Hay: A Scottish Leader

Sir Thomas de la Hay played a big part in Scotland during his time. He helped the country in many ways, from dealing with other nations to supporting the king.

Helping Scotland's King

In 1353, Sir Thomas was chosen as one of the special representatives, called Commissioners. Their job was to talk with the English about getting King David II back. The king had been captured, and they needed to arrange his freedom by paying a "ransom" (a payment for his release). In 1354, Sir Thomas even became a hostage himself to help secure the king's return. This meant he stayed with the English as a guarantee until the ransom was fully paid.

Supporting the New King

Sir Thomas continued his important work when Robert II became king. On March 26, 1371, he served as the Constable of Scotland at King Robert II's coronation ceremony in Scone. The very next day, he promised his loyalty to the new king. On April 4, 1371, he also swore to support the "Act of Settlement of the Crown." This was an important agreement about who would inherit the throne next.

Land and Titles

Sir Thomas also managed his family's lands and titles. On January 19, 1389-90, he officially became the heir to his grandfather, Sir John Keith of Innerpeffer. In 1376, he received a special grant of land called Slaines. This land had originally been given by King Robert I to Gilbert de Haya. Later, on June 30, 1378, all of Sir Thomas's lands were officially made into a "free barony." This meant he had special rights and control over these areas.

Family Life

Sir Thomas de la Hay married Elizabeth Stewart. She was a daughter of King Robert II of Scotland himself! They were married before November 7, 1372. Together, they had several children:

• Sir William de la Hay, who became a knight. He passed away in 1436. He married Margaret, the daughter of Sir Patrick Gray of Broxmouth, and they had children.
• Sir Gilbert of Dronlaw, who also became a knight. He married Elizabeth Reid, and they had children.
• Elizabeth de la Hay. She married Sir George Leslie of Rothes (who lived from 1350 to after 1412), and they had children.
• Alice de la Hay. She married Sir William Hay of Locharret.
• Another daughter whose name is not known. She married a man named Norman (possibly), who was the son of Andrew Leslie, and they had children.