Walter Stewart, 3rd High Steward of Scotland facts for kids

Walter Steward of Dundonald (died 1246) was an important Scottish leader. He was the 3rd hereditary High Steward of Scotland. This was a very important job, like being a chief manager for the king. He was also the Justiciar of Scotia, which meant he was a top judge for a large part of Scotland.

Walter was the oldest son of Alan fitz Walter, 2nd High Steward of Scotland. We don't know for sure who his mother was. Walter was special because he was the first person in his family, the House of Stuart, to use "Stewart" as a family name. He was also known as "Walter Steward of Dundonald," which showed where his family's main home was.

Walter was a trusted advisor to King Alexander II. He signed important documents for the king. On one of his official seals, it said "Sigill. Walteri filii Allani," which means "Seal of Walter, son of Alan." This seal helped people know who he was and how important he was.

Walter Stewart's Family Life

Walter Stewart had a large and important family. He married a woman named Bethóc. Her father was Gille Críst, Earl of Angus. Bethóc's mother, Marjorie, was the youngest daughter of Henry of Scotland, 3rd Earl of Huntingdon. This made Walter's wife connected to royal families.

Who Were Walter Stewart's Children?

Walter and Bethóc had many children who grew up to be important people in Scotland.

• Alexander Stewart, 4th High Steward of Scotland: He took over his father's important role. He even served as a Regent of Scotland, meaning he helped rule the country when the king was too young or away.
• Sir Robert: He became known as Lord of Tarbolten and Crookston, and also Lord of Darnley.
• John: Sadly, John died in 1249 in Damietta, Egypt. He was fighting in the Seventh Crusade, a big religious war.
• Walter Bailloch: His nickname was "the Freckled." He married Mary de Menteith and became the Earl of Menteith, another powerful title.
• William
• Beatrix: She married Maol Domhnaich, Earl of Lennox, connecting her family to another important Scottish noble family.
• Christian
• Eupheme: She married Adam Wallace, who was the Laird of Riccarton. A laird was a Scottish landowner.
• Margaret: She married her cousin, Niall, Earl of Carrick.
• Sybella: She married Colin Fitzgerald, who was the 1st Lord of Kintail.