William FitzWarin facts for kids

Quick facts for kids William FitzWarin
Arms of William FitzWarin. Quarterly by fess indented argent and sable.
Died	1299
Resting place	Greyfriars, London
Nationality	English
Spouse(s)	Maria de Ergadia, daughter of Eóghan of Argyll

Sir William FitzWarin (who died around 1299) was an English soldier. He played a part in the First War of Scottish Independence. This was a big conflict between England and Scotland.

William FitzWarin was in charge of Urquhart Castle from 1296 to 1297. After the English lost the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297, he became the leader of Stirling Castle. He later gave up this castle and was held prisoner in Dumbarton Castle.

William FitzWarin's Life

Becoming a Castle Leader

William FitzWarin became the constable (leader) of Urquhart Castle. This happened after England invaded Scotland in 1296.

A Scottish rebellion started, led by Andrew Moray. The English sheriff of Inverness, Reginald le Chen, called a meeting. He wanted to discuss how to stop Andrew Moray. FitzWarin was one of the main leaders at this meeting.

Ambush and Siege

After the meeting, FitzWarin headed back to Urquhart Castle. He had his soldiers with him. A few miles from Inverness, Andrew Moray and Alexander Pilche attacked them. FitzWarin lost some men and horses. He was lucky to escape safely to Urquhart Castle.

The next day, Moray's forces surrounded the castle. They demanded that FitzWarin give up the castle.

Countess Euphemia's Visit

Euphemia, the Countess of Ross, arrived unexpectedly. Her husband was a prisoner of King Edward I of England. She told Moray to surrender, but he refused. Even though Moray ignored her, FitzWarin later praised her actions to the king.

Moray did not have large siege machines. He tried to take the castle with a night attack. When this failed, he had to stop the siege. FitzWarin remained in control of Urquhart Castle.

More Trouble for FitzWarin

In July 1297, FitzWarin wrote to King Edward. He said that "evil disposed people" had joined Andrew Moray. They were at Avoch Castle in Ross.

Urquhart Castle was attacked again by Andrew Moray. The castle ran out of supplies. The soldiers inside eventually had to give up because they were starving.

Battle of Stirling Bridge

FitzWarin was at the Battle of Stirling Bridge on September 11, 1297. The English army lost badly to the Scots. The Scottish army was led by William Wallace. FitzWarin survived this defeat.

After the battle, John de Warenne, 6th Earl of Surrey, the English army leader, gave FitzWarin a new job. He made him the constable of Stirling Castle. Marmaduke Thweng was his second-in-command.

Capture and Release

FitzWarin and Marmaduke Thweng later surrendered Stirling Castle. They were taken as prisoners to Dumbarton Castle. FitzWarin was later set free. He was exchanged for Henry St Clair, Baron of Roslin in a prisoner swap.

William FitzWarin died around the year 1299.

William FitzWarin's Family

William FitzWarin married Maria de Ergadia. She passed away in 1302. Maria was the daughter of Eóghan of Argyll.

William FitzWarin and Maria had two sons:

• Robert (died 1297) - He was killed during the siege of Urquhart Castle.
• John (died around 1297)

William FitzWarin and his wife Maria de Ergadia were buried in Greyfriars, London.