Walter Comyn, Lord of Badenoch facts for kids
Walter Comyn, who died in 1258, was an important Scottish noble. He was the son of William Comyn, who was an Earl in Scotland. Walter himself became a powerful figure, known as the Lord of Badenoch.
Early Life and Titles
Walter first appeared in official records around 1211. In 1220, he traveled with King Alexander II of Scotland to York. By 1229, he was known as the "Lord of Badenoch". This title came after his father defeated a group called the Meic Uilleim.
Like his father, Walter married a noblewoman who would inherit land and titles. Her name was Isabella, Countess of Menteith. By 1234, Isabella had inherited the area of Menteith. This meant Walter became the Earl of Menteith through his wife (this is called jure uxoris).
Walter may have had a son named Henry. Henry was mentioned in a document from 1250. Walter also had a daughter named Isabel, who married Gilchrist Mure.
A Powerful Leader
Walter Comyn was one of the most important political figures in Scotland. He played a huge role when King Alexander III of Scotland was still a child. During this time, Walter, along with another noble named Alan Durward, helped to run the country. They were essentially in charge of many important decisions.
His Death and Legacy
Walter Comyn died suddenly in late 1258. By this time, his son Henry must have already passed away. Isabella remained the Countess of Menteith until about 1260. After her, her sister Mary's husband, Walter Stewart, took control of Menteith.
Since Walter had no sons who lived, his title of Lord of Badenoch went to his nephew, John Comyn. However, John could not inherit the Menteith title.
Walter Comyn is also remembered through a famous old saying. It's called Walter of Guiyock's curse. You can find it in Sir Walter Scott's book Rob Roy. The saying talks about someone having very little left of them.
The story behind this saying is quite old. It tells of a powerful noble who was riding through a forest. He was thrown from his horse, and his foot got caught in the stirrup. The scared horse dragged him along until he was badly injured and died. People believed such a terrible accident was a curse. It was thought to be a punishment for the noble's bad deeds. This is how the saying "Walter of Guiyock's curse" began.
