William Sutherland, 4th of Duffus facts for kids
William Sutherland, 4th of Duffus was an important person in Scottish history. He was part of a noble (important and powerful) family in Scotland. William was also a member of the Clan Sutherland, which was a large family group. He was part of a "cadet branch," meaning his family was a smaller part of the main Sutherland family. He lived a long time ago and passed away in 1513.
William's Early Life
William Sutherland was the son of another William Sutherland, who died in 1474. His grandfather was Alexander Sutherland, 3rd of Duffus. William had an older brother, also named Alexander. However, his brother Alexander passed away before 1478. This meant that William became the next person in charge of the family lands, which included Duffus Castle.
A Family Dispute Over Land
William Sutherland, 4th of Duffus, had a niece named Christina Sutherland. She was the daughter of his older brother, Alexander. After Christina married a man named William Oliphant, she claimed that she, not William, should control the Duffus lands.
Christina had powerful friends who supported her claim. This disagreement about who owned the land was discussed for a long time. It was even debated in church courts, called "ecclesiastical courts," in both Scotland and Rome.
Finally, around 1507, they reached an agreement. This agreement was good for William Sutherland. Christina's son, George Oliphant, officially gave up his family's claims to the lands. After this, William Sutherland received a special document from the King, called a "Crown charter." This charter officially made him the owner of the Duffus lands.
When William Passed Away
Historians have different ideas about when William Sutherland, 4th of Duffus, died. Some records suggest he passed away before February 1513 or 1514.
Another idea is that he might have been killed in a big battle. This battle was called the Battle of Flodden, and it happened on September 8, 1513. Many Scottish nobles fought and died in this important battle.
William's Family
William Sutherland, 4th of Duffus, was married. His wife might have been a woman named Janet Innes. She was known as "Lady Greeship" and came from the Clan Innes family. After William passed away, Janet remarried before 1517 to Hugh Rose of Kilravock Castle.
William Sutherland, 4th of Duffus, had at least one son. His son was named William Sutherland, 5th of Duffus, and he took over the family lands after his father.
