William I, Lord of Douglas facts for kids

William of Douglas lived a long time ago, around the 1200s. He was an important nobleman in a place called Clydesdale, which was part of the King of Scots' lands. He is known as the first person with the Douglas name to appear in history books.

Who Was William of Douglas?

William's beginnings are a bit of a mystery. He is the first person named Douglas to be found in old records. We know he was around in 1174 because he was a witness to an important document for the monks of Kelso Abbey. At that time, he already owned the lands of Douglas.

It seems William's father was named Theobald le Fleming. Theobald was from England and later lived in Scotland. William's mother was the sister of Freskin de Kersdale.

Old Stories and Real History

Some old stories, like those told by David Hume of Godscroft, say that the Douglas family started with a hero named Sholto. This story says Sholto helped a king in 767 AD. As a reward, he was given the lands that later became known as Douglas.

However, many historians today think this story is a myth. They believe William of Douglas was active during a real rebellion. This rebellion was led by a group called the Meic Uilleim. William might have been involved in stopping this uprising.

William's lands were next to those of Lochlann, Lord of Galloway. Lochlann led the King of Scotland's forces against the rebels. William might have been a supporter of the Lord of Galloway. Also, most of William's sons later held important church jobs in the areas where the Meic Uilleim rebels used to live. This might show a connection to those events.

William de Douglas was the first known owner of the Douglas lands. He held them between 1174 and 1213. His father, Theobald the Fleming, was likely from a family in Flanders. The family's coat of arms also suggests a connection to other important families like the Murrays.

William's Family

William of Douglas likely married Margaret, who was the sister of Freskin of Kerdal. Freskin was a Flemish lord from Moray. William and Margaret had several children:

• Archibald I (born around 1166, died around 1213) became the Lord of Douglas. He married Margaret, the daughter of Sir John Crawford.
• Bricius de Douglas (born around 1195, died around 1222) became the Bishop of Moray.
• Alexander de Douglas (born around 1195, died around 1238) was a church official called a canon at Spynie and a vicar at Elgin.
• Henry de Douglas (born around 1195, died around 1245) was also a canon at Spynie.
• Hugh de Douglas (born around 1171, died around 1245) was a canon at Spynie and an Archdeacon of Moray.
• Freskin de Douglas (born 1205, died September 1232) was a parson (a type of priest) in Douglas and later a Dean of Moray.
• Margaret de Douglas (born 1177, died 1260) married Hervey de Keith, who was the Marischal of Scotland.