Walter Bailloch facts for kids
Walter Bailloch (born between 1225 and 1230, died 1293 or 1294) was an important Scottish noble. His nickname, Bailloch, comes from a Gaelic word meaning "the freckled one." He became the Earl of Menteith because of his marriage, which is called jure uxoris (by right of his wife).
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Walter's Life and Times
Walter was a younger son of Walter Stewart, 3rd High Steward of Scotland. His mother was Beatrix of Angus. Around 1258-1259, it's believed Walter went on a Crusade with King Louis IX of France.
After King Alexander II of Scotland died, Walter was part of a group that supported English influence in Scotland. In 1255, this group took control of the young King and Queen. However, Walter was not allowed to be part of the government at that time.
Becoming Earl of Menteith
Around 1260, the Scottish nobles arranged for Walter to marry Mary I, Countess of Menteith. Mary was the sister of Isabella, Countess of Menteith. Isabella and her husband had to leave Scotland. When Walter married Mary, he took over her lands and the title of Earl. He was definitely using the title of Earl before April 17, 1261.
Land and Duties
The next year, a man named Dubhghall mac Suibhne gave Walter lands in Kintyre, including Skipnish and Killislate. Walter then gave the church of Kilcalmonell to the monks of Paisley. He also gave churches in North Knapdale to Kilwinning Abbey. This shows he controlled a large area.
Around 1263, Walter was the Sheriff of Ayr. He helped prepare Scotland for a possible attack from King Haakon IV of Norway. Walter and his brother, Alexander Stewart, 4th High Steward of Scotland, led the Scottish army at the Battle of Largs. This battle was a big victory for Scotland.
Walter was also the Sheriff of Dumbarton from 1271 to 1288. In 1281, he was a witness to the marriage agreement between Princess Margaret and Eirik II of Norway. Walter, Countess Mary, and other Scottish nobles traveled to Norway with the princess.
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Challenges to His Title
In 1285, Walter and Countess Mary faced a challenge to their earldom. William Comyn of Kirkintilloch and his wife Isabella claimed the title. King Edward I of England supported their claim. A meeting in Scone decided to split the earldom into two parts. Walter kept one half and the title of Earl. The other half became a separate area for William Comyn's son.
Supporting Robert the Bruce
When King Alexander III died in 1286, Scotland faced a difficult time. There was a big disagreement over who should be the next king, between the Bruce family and the Balliol family. Walter supported the Bruce family.
Walter signed the Turnberry Bond with his sons and the Bruces in 1286. This was an agreement to support the Bruce claim to the throne. In 1289, he agreed to the marriage between Prince Edward of England and Margaret, Maid of Norway. Margaret was the young heir to the Scottish Crown.
Sadly, Margaret died, and the fight for the throne continued between Bruce and Balliol. When King Edward of England was asked to decide who should be king, Walter was one of the people chosen by Bruce to represent him. Walter was present in Norham in 1292 when the new king, John Balliol, promised loyalty to King Edward I. This is the last clear record of Walter. He might have died by 1293 or 1294.
Countess Mary died before Walter, likely before 1286. Their tombstone is at the Inchmahome Priory. It shows carvings of Walter and his wife. Walter's shield on the tomb shows the Stewart family crest.
Walter's Family
In 1258, Walter married Mary I, Countess of Menteith. After becoming Earl through his wife, Walter took the name Menteith. He also changed the design on his family shield slightly to show his new title.
Walter and Mary had two sons and at least one daughter:
- Alexander, Earl of Menteith: He became the next Earl.
- Sir John de Menteith: He is known for his role in the capture of the Scottish hero, Sir William Wallace.
- Elena Stewart: She married John Drummond.
See also
- Earls of Menteith
