Torquil MacLeod (clan chief) facts for kids
Torquil MacLeod (in modern Scottish Gaelic: Torcall MacLeòid) was an important leader, known as a chief, of Clan MacLeod of Lewis. He lived around the year 1500. Torquil was born about 1460 and passed away before 1510. Records mention him in 1498 and again in 1506.
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Torquil MacLeod: Chief of Lewis
Torquil MacLeod was the son and heir of Roderick MacLeod of Lewis. He became a key supporter of Domhnall Dubh. Domhnall Dubh claimed to be the rightful ruler of the Principality of the Isles.
The Rebellion of Domhnall Dubh
In 1501, Domhnall Dubh escaped from prison. He started a rebellion to try and get back control of the Lordship of the Isles. Torquil MacLeod was his main helper in this uprising.
Torquil's Family Connections
Torquil married Catharine Campbell. She was the daughter of Colin Campbell, 1st Earl of Argyll. Catharine was also the sister of Mary Campbell, who was Domhnall Dubh's mother. This marriage connected Torquil to powerful families in Scotland.
King James IV and the Isles
At the end of the 1400s, King James IV wanted to bring peace to the Hebrides. These islands often had conflicts between clans. The king wanted to stop attempts to bring back the old power of the Lord of the Isles.
Resisting the King's Efforts
Torquil MacLeod was one of the most famous chiefs who stood against the king's plans. The king's representatives tried to bring the islanders under control. First, it was Torquil's brother-in-law, Archibald Campbell, 2nd Earl of Argyll. Later, Alexander Gordon, 3rd Earl of Huntly took over.
The End of the Rebellion
It took King James IV himself to finally bring the islanders to peace. Torquil was the last of the island chiefs to be brought under the king's rule. Even though he was Argyle's brother-in-law, he resisted.
Loss of Lands and Legacy
After Torquil was declared an outlaw by the Scottish Parliament, he went to his strong castle in Stornoway. He had his relative, Domhnall Dubh, with him there. Domhnall Dubh was the son of Angus Oigh, who had won the Battle of the Bloody Bay.
Capture of Stornoway Castle
Eventually, the Earl of Huntly captured Stornoway Castle. Domhnall Dubh had to flee to Ireland. This event finally ended the rebellion of the Islesmen.
Torquil's Forfeiture and Death
Because of his part in the rebellion, King James IV took away all of Torquil's lands in 1506. Torquil died sometime before 1510. His son, John, became his heir. However, in 1511, Torquil's younger brother, Malcolm, managed to get back the family lands of Lewis.
