William Comyn, Lord of Badenoch facts for kids

Quick facts for kids William Comyn
Map of Scotland, showing the area of Buchan which Comyn ruled over, on the north-east coast, c. 1230
Sheriff of Forfar
In office 1195–1211
Justiciar of Scotia
In office 1205–1233
Preceded by	Gille Brigte, Earl of Strathearn
Succeeded by	Walter Stewart, 3rd High Steward of Scotland
Warden of Moray / Guardian of Moray
In office 1211–1212
Personal details
Born	c. 1163 Altyre, Moray
Died	1233 Buchan, Aberdeenshire
Spouses	Sarah Fitzhugh (1193–1204) Marjory, Countess of Buchan (1212–death)
Children	est. 13 (see family tree at bottom)
Parents	Richard Comyn Hextilda of Tynedale

William Comyn was an important figure in Scottish history. He was known as the Lord of Badenoch and later became the Earl of Buchan. William was born in 1163 in Altyre, Moray, Scotland. He was one of seven children born to Richard Comyn and Hextilda of Tynedale. William passed away in 1233 in Buchan and was buried at Deer Abbey.

William became powerful by serving King William I of Scotland. He helped the King fight against a group called the Meic Uilleims in the northern parts of Scotland. William was a trusted advisor, as he witnessed many of the King's official documents.

William Comyn's Important Roles

William Comyn held several key positions in the Scottish government. These roles showed how much the King trusted him.

Sheriff of Forfar

From 1195 to 1211, William served as the sheriff of Forfar. A sheriff was like a local governor, responsible for law and order in a specific area.

Justiciar of Scotia

In 1205, William was given the very important job of Justiciar of Scotia. This was the highest royal office in Scotland, meaning he was the chief judge and administrator for the King. He held this role until his death in 1233.

Warden of Moray

Between 1211 and 1212, William was the Warden, or Guardian, of Moray. In this role, he fought against a rebellion led by Gofraid mac Domnaill of the Meic Uilleim family. William successfully defeated this group, ending their threat in 1229. Because of his success, he was given the Lordship of Badenoch and its lands.

Diplomatic Missions

William also traveled to England between 1199 and 1200. He went to discuss important matters with the new English king, King John, on behalf of King William of Scotland.

Earl of Buchan

William's success as Warden of Moray likely led to his marriage to Marjory, also known as Margaret, Countess of Buchan. This marriage happened between 1209 and 1212. Marjory's father, Fergus, Earl of Buchan, had no sons. By marrying his daughter to William, he made sure his titles would be passed on to a suitable family. After Fergus died around 1214, William took over the management of the Earldom of Buchan through his wife's rights.

William also helped with the building of St Mungo's Cathedral in Glasgow. After he passed away, his wife Marjory continued his work there.

William Comyn's Family

William Comyn had a large family. He is believed to have had six children with his first wife, Sarah Fitzhugh, and eight children with his second wife, Marjory, Countess of Buchan. His children from his first marriage were linked to the Lordship of Badenoch, while those from his second marriage were linked to the Earldom of Buchan. Historians see William's life, especially his marriage to the Countess of Buchan, as the start of what they call the "Comyn century."

• Parents:
  • His father was Richard Comyn (born around 1115–1123, died around 1179).
  • His mother was Hextilda of Tynedale (born 1112–1122, died around 1149–1189). Hextilda had another son, Henry, 3rd Earl of Atholl, from a previous marriage, making him William Comyn's half-brother.

• Children with first wife, Sarah Fitzhugh (married 1193):
  • Richard (born around 1190–1194, died around 1244–1249). He was the father of John I Comyn, Lord of Badenoch.
  • Jardine Comyn, Lord of Inverallochy (born before 1190).
  • Walter, Lord of Badenoch (born 1190, died around 1258). He married Isabella, Countess of Menteith.
  • Johanna (or Jean) (born around 1198, died around 1274). She married Uilleam I, Earl of Ross.
  • John Comyn, Earl of Angus (died 1242). He married Matilda, Countess of Angus.
  • David Comyn, Lord of Kilbride (died 1247). He married Isabel de Valoigne.

• Children with second wife, Marjory, Countess of Buchan (married around 1209–1212):
  • Idonea (or Idoine) (born around 1215–1221). She married Gilbert de Haya of Erroll.
  • Alexander, Earl of Buchan (born around 1217, died around 1289–1290). He married Elizabetha de Quincy.
  • William (born around 1217).
  • Margaret (born around 1218–1230). She married Sir John de Keith.
  • Fergus, Lord of Gorgyn (born around 1219–1228).
  • Elizabeth (born around 1223, died 1267). She married Uilleam, Earl of Mar.
  • Agnes (born around 1225). She married Sir Philip de Meldrum.