Walter Leslie facts for kids
Sir Walter Leslie (died 1382) was a brave Scottish nobleman and a famous crusader from the 1300s. He was known as one of the most important knights of his time.
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Who Was Walter Leslie?
Walter Leslie was born into an important Scottish family. He was a younger son of Sir Andrew Leslie, who was the sixth person in his family line to live at Leslie Castle in Aberdeenshire. His mother was Mary Abernethy.
Walter's Amazing Adventures
Walter Leslie was a true adventurer. He traveled far and wide, taking part in many important events of his time.
Crusades and Wars
Walter and his older brother Norman first traveled to Prussia. They went there to join a crusade against non-Christians in that area. A crusade was a religious war, often fought by European Christians. Walter returned home by 1356.
He then went to France to help the French army. They were fighting against the English in a long conflict called the Hundred Years' War. Walter fought in France more than once. In 1370, he was at the Battle of Pontvallain. He played a key role in helping the French defeat the English there. Because of his bravery, King Charles V of France gave him a yearly payment of 200 gold francs.
Journey to the Holy Land
In 1363, Walter was back in Scotland. King David II of Scotland gave him a payment of forty pounds sterling. Later that year, King David helped Walter and Norman get permission to travel to the Holy Land. This was another important religious journey.
They traveled through Italy on their way. While there, they saw a deal being made. It was between the leaders of Florence and a group of English soldiers called the "White Company". These soldiers were mercenaries, meaning they fought for money. They had fought in the Hundred Years' War and were now working in Italy.
Walter and Norman eventually joined a crusade led by King Peter I of Cyprus. King Peter attacked the Egyptian city of Alexandria. The city was captured, but King Peter could not hold onto it. He left the city after taking its treasures.
Return to Scotland and Marriage
Walter returned to Scotland in 1366. King David was very happy to see him. The king admired crusaders, and Walter was already one of his favorite knights.
As a reward for his adventures, King David allowed Walter to marry Euphemia. She was the daughter and heir of the Earl of Ross. King David even convinced the Earl to agree to the marriage. The wedding happened on September 13, 1366. After this, Walter stayed in Scotland for a while. He took part in public life and often witnessed important royal documents.
When King David died in 1371, Robert Stewart became the new king. Walter might have worried that the new king, who was friends with the Earl of Ross, would take away his good fortune. But King Robert did not. When the Earl of Ross died in 1372, Euphemia inherited his title. This made Walter the Earl or Lord of Ross through his wife.
Walter's Family and Legacy
Walter Leslie died in Perth, Scotland, on February 27, 1382. He had two children: Alexander and Mariota. Alexander later became the Earl of Ross. Mariota married Donald Lord of the Isles.
Even though Alexander inherited the earldom, another powerful person took control of Ross. This was the Earl of Buchan, also known as the "Wolf of Badenoch." He was Countess Euphemia's second husband. They later divorced in 1392.
Images for kids
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Arms of Sir Walter Leslie from the Armorial de Gelre. His crest, a Saracen's head, shows his image as a crusader.
