William Sutherland, 7th of Duffus facts for kids
William Sutherland, 7th of Duffus (who died in 1543) was a Scottish nobleman. He was part of a smaller family line, known as a cadet branch, of the larger and powerful Clan Sutherland.
Early Life and Family
William Sutherland was the son of William Sutherland, 6th of Duffus. Sadly, his father was killed in 1530 in Thurso. This happened during a conflict with the Clan Gunn. Some historical accounts say that Andrew Stewart, who was the Bishop of Caithness, encouraged the Clan Gunn to do this.
Becoming Laird of Duffus
After his father's death, William Sutherland, 7th of Duffus, worked hard to get justice. He refused many offers of money or other payments that were meant to settle the conflict.
He even called the Bishop of Caithness to appear before him in Edinburgh. But the Bishop did not show up. William then took one of the Bishop's servants. Because of this, William and his uncle were brought before the Privy Council of Scotland. This was a group of important advisors to the King. They were put in prison and had to agree to a deal with the Bishop without getting any money for their father's death. After this, they were set free.
Around 1534, William Sutherland of Duffus confirmed that a debt of 500 merks (an old Scottish coin) owed to his father had been paid. On September 25, 1535, he was officially named as his father's heir. This meant he inherited lands like Torboll and others.
In February 1540, he temporarily gave the lands of Kinstearie and Brichtmony to John Campbell of Calder as a type of loan or security. In 1542, a group of local people, called a jury, officially declared William Sutherland of Duffus to be his father's rightful heir. This included all the lands and income his father owned in Inverness-shire.
Also in 1542, William Sutherland of Duffus and Donald Mackay, 11th of Strathnaver agreed to let James Stewart, Earl of Moray, help them settle a land dispute. This dispute had caused a lot of fighting and bloodshed. In the end, the Earl decided in favor of Donald Mackay, which finally ended the long-standing feud between the families.
William Sutherland's Family
William Sutherland of Duffus passed away before the end of 1543. He was married to Elizabeth Stewart. She survived him and later married James Murray of Culbardie.
William and Elizabeth had several children:
- Alexander Sutherland, 8th of Duffus: He was the oldest son and became the next leader of Duffus.
- William Sutherland of Evelix: He was mentioned as a witness in important legal papers for his older brother in 1562. He also helped his brothers take and hold Berriedale Castle in 1566. After a battle in 1570, where Dornoch Cathedral was burned, he was said to have disturbed the grave of Gilbert de Moravia (who died in 1245), a Bishop of Caithness. He became ill soon after and passed away.
- Nicholas Sutherland: He also witnessed the legal papers in 1562 and was involved in the Berriedale Castle event.
- Walter Sutherland: He is named as a brother of Alexander Sutherland in 1562. It's possible he might be the same person as William of Evelix.
See also
- Lord Duffus
