Thor Longus facts for kids
Thor Longus, also known as Thor the Long, was an important noble from the early 1100s. He was an Anglo-Saxon person. Thor was linked to the area of Roxburghshire, which is now in the Scottish Borders. This region was ruled by the Scottish king.
A very old document, written between 1107 and 1124, tells us about Thor. It says that Thor Longus started a settlement called Ednam. Before Thor, Ednam was an empty, deserted area. King Edgar of Scotland gave this land to Thor.
Ednam is located close to the border between Northumberland and Roxburghshire. The old document says that Thor brought his own followers to Ednam. He helped them settle there and built a church. This document also states that Thor gave the church to the monks of St Cuthbert. These monks were from Durham Cathedral Priory.
We also have a record of Thor telling his lord, Earl David, about this gift. Earl David later became David I of Scotland. Earl David then confirmed that the church was given to the monks.
Thor's Family and Legacy
Thor Longus had a brother named Leofwine. Leofwine is mentioned in Thor's document. An old book from Durham, called a Martyrology, remembers both brothers. It notes Leofwine "the monk" on June 2. Thor Longus is remembered on May 14 in the same book.
We do not know exactly when Thor Longus died. We also do not know if he had any children. However, the land of Ednam seems to have gone back to the king by 1136. This means Thor likely passed away before that year.
Several Scottish families and clans believe they are related to Thor Longus. Some also share a similar name. The name "Longus" means 'Long' or 'Tall' in different languages. These families include:
- Stirling
- Crawford
- Nisbet
- Swinton
See also
