William Sutherland, 5th of Duffus facts for kids
William Sutherland, 5th of Duffus (who died in 1529) was an important person in Scottish history. He belonged to the nobility, which means he was part of a powerful and respected family. His family was a special branch, called a cadet branch, of the larger Clan Sutherland.
Early Life of William Sutherland
William Sutherland was the son of William Sutherland, 4th of Duffus, who passed away in 1513. His mother might have been Janet Innes, Lady Greeship, who was from the Clan Innes family. After his father died, William took over the family lands of Duffus and Quarrelwood between 1513 and 1514.
Becoming a Landowner
In 1519-1520, William officially received his father's lands of Brichmond (also known as Brichtomy). This process was called being infeft, which meant he was legally recognized as the owner.
Later, in 1524, King James V of Scotland gave him the lands of Kinstearie.
On March 25, 1525, Elizabeth Sutherland, 10th Countess of Sutherland and her husband, Adam Gordon, gave William even more land. They were the superiors of the lands of Sutherland, meaning they were the main landowners. They granted William the lands of Torboll and Pronsy. These lands had belonged to Hugh Sutherland of Pronsy before he died.
William's Family and Legacy
In 1527, William Sutherland, 5th of Duffus, decided to pass on his lands to his oldest son. He gave up his rights to the lands of Duffus and Quarrelwood in Elgin, Moray, and also Brichmond, Kinstearie, and the mill of Auldearn in Nairn.
William Sutherland died before June 1, 1529. He was married to Janet Innes, who was the daughter of Alexander Innes. Together, they had three children:
- William Sutherland, 6th of Duffus: He was the oldest son and took over the family lands. Sadly, he was killed in 1530, but he left behind a son.
- Alexander Sutherland: He became a Dean (a type of church leader) in Caithness in 1529 and was still alive in 1551. He also became the rector (another church leader) of Duffus in 1512. In 1524, he became the permanent chaplain (a priest for a specific chapel) of the chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary at Duffus Castle.
- Elizabeth Sutherland: She married John Sinclair, 3rd Earl of Caithness and had children with him.
See also
- Lord Duffus
