Walter fitz Gilbert of Cadzow facts for kids

Sir Walter fitz Gilbert of Cadzow, the first Laird (Lord) of Cadzow, was an important Scottish nobleman. He died around 1346. He married Mary Gordon of Huntly in 1308 in Scotland. Walter fitz Gilbert is known as the first ancestor of the powerful House of Hamilton. This family later included important titles like the Dukes of Hamilton and the Dukes of Abercorn.

Family Background

It is a bit tricky to know exactly where Walter's family came from. Some historians think his family might be connected to the Umfraville family from Northumberland. Others believe they came from the Beaumont family, who were Earls of Leicester.

Both ideas are based on the family's coat of arms. Both the Umfraville and Beaumont families used a special symbol called a "cinquefoil" (a five-leafed flower) in their shields. The Hamilton family also used cinquefoils.

One expert, Bruce A. McAndrew, believes the Umfraville connection is more likely. He points out that the earliest Hamilton family shield had three cinquefoils. He suggests the Hamiltons might have been related to or worked for the Umfraville lords.

Early Records of Walter

Walter fitz Gilbert first appears in official records in 1294. He was a witness to a document where James Stewart, 5th High Steward of Scotland gave land to the monks of Paisley Abbey.

Later that year, he signed an important document called the Ragman Roll at Berwick Castle. Many Scottish nobles had to sign this document for Edward I of England. On this paper, Walter was called "Wauter fiz Gilbert de Hameldone."

A special drinking cup called the Bute mazer shows the coat of arms of fitz Gilbert. This cup is now in the National Museum of Scotland. It was made soon after the Battle of Bannockburn. Some people think Walter fitz Gilbert might have ordered it himself.

Role in Scottish Wars

During the time of William Wallace and later Robert the Bruce, Walter fitz Gilbert first supported the English king. He held lands in Fife for King Edward.

By 1314, he was in charge of Bothwell Castle in South Lanarkshire. King Edward told him to keep the castle safe and not give it to anyone else without his direct orders.

After the Battle of Bannockburn, where Edward II of England was defeated, many English noblemen fled to Bothwell Castle. Walter fitz Gilbert let them in. But once they were inside, he made them all prisoners! Then, he switched sides and joined the Scottish forces.

Life After the Wars

After joining Robert the Bruce, Walter fitz Gilbert was given new lands. He received the lands of Dalserf, which had belonged to a family that opposed Bruce. Later, he was rewarded with the barony of Cadzow and Cadzow Castle, located near the River Clyde.

He became a Justice in Lanark in 1321. The following year, he was made a knight. In 1323, he received even more lands, including Kinneil and Larbert in West Lothian.

Walter fitz Gilbert was also present at the Battle of Halidon Hill in 1333. He fought in the group led by the High Steward, who later became Robert II of Scotland. It is believed he survived this battle. He passed away before 1346. His son, David, fought in the Battle of Neville's Cross as the Laird of Cadzow.

Family and Children

Walter fitz Gilbert married Mary Gordon in 1308. She was the daughter of Sir Adam Gordon. They had two sons:

• David fitz Walter of Cadzow: He was an ancestor of the Dukes of Hamilton and Dukes of Abercorn.
• John fitz Walter: He was an ancestor of the Earls of Haddington.