Lachlann Mac Ruaidhrí

Lachlann Mac Ruaidhrí
Predecessor Ailéan mac Ruaidhrí
Successor Ruaidhrí Mac Ruaidhrí
Noble family Clann Ruaidhrí
Father Ailéan mac Ruaidhrí

Lachlann Mac Ruaidhrí (fl. 12971307/1308) was a Scottish magnate and chief of Clann Ruaidhrí.[note 1] He was a free-booting participant in the First War of Scottish Independence, who remarkably took up arms against figures such as John, King of Scotland, Edward I, King of England, the Guardians of Scotland, and his near rival William II, Earl of Ross. Lachlann disappears from record in 1307/1308, and appears to have been succeeded by his brother, Ruaidhrí, as chief of Clann Ruaidhrí.

Clann Ruaidhrí

Lachlann was an illegitimate son of Ailéan mac Ruaidhrí (died ×1296).[6] The latter had another illegitimate son, Ruaidhrí (died 1318?), and a legitimate daughter, Cairistíona (fl. 12901318).[7] Lachlann was married to a daughter of Alasdair Mac Dubhghaill, Lord of Argyll (died 1310).[8] It was Lachlann's generationthe second generation in descent from the family's eponymous founderthat members of Clann Ruaidhrí were first identified with a family name derived from this ancestor: for example Lachlann is called "Laclan Magrogri" in one record,[9] and the sons of Ailéan are called "filiis Rodrici" in another.[10]

Career

In opposition to English adherents

Seal of Alasdair Óg Mac Domhnaill, Lachlann's Hebridean opponent.

In June 1292, Lachlann is mentioned in proceedings between Alasdair Mac Dubhghaill and Edward I, King of England (died 1307) at Berwick, in which Alasdair Mac Dubhghaill personally promised to keep peace in the Hebrides, amicably settle his dispute with his Clann Domhnaill namesake and rival, Alasdair Óg Mac Domhnaill, Lord of Islay (died 1299?), and bring the unruly Clann Ruaidhrí under the king's authority.[11] The following year, in an effort to maintain peace in the western reaches of his realm, John, King of Scotland established the shrievalties of Skye and Lorn.[12] The former regionconsisting of Wester Ross, Glenelg, Skye, Lewis and Harris, Uist, Barra, Eigg, Rhum, and the Small Isleswas given to William II, Earl of Ross (died 1323), whilst the latter regionconsisting of Argyll (except Cowal and Kintyre), Mull, Jura and Islaywas given to Alasdair Mac Dubhghaill.[13] Despite the king's intentions, it is apparent that his new sheriffs used their positions as a means to exploit royal power against local rivals. Whilst Clann Domhnaill was forced to deal with their powerful Clan Dubhghaill rivals, Clann Ruaidhrí appears to have fallen afoul of the Earl of Ross over control of Kintail, Skye, and Uist.[14] Evidence of the earl's actions against Clann Ruaidhrí is revealed in correspondence between him and the English Crown in 1304. In this letter, William II recalled a costly military campaign which he conducted against certain Hebridean chieftainsincluding Lachlann himselfat the behest of the then-reigning John (reigned 12921296).[15]

Thirteenth-century illumination of Edward I, King of England as depicted in Cotton MS Vitellius A XIII.[16]

In 1296, Edward I invaded and easily conquered the Scottish realm.[17] Like most other Scottish landholders, Lachlann rendered homage to the triumphant king later that year.[18][note 2] Alasdair Mac Dubhghaill had been a staunch supporter of the Scottish king, which appears to have led Edward I to use the former's chief rival, Alasdair Óg Mac Domhnaill, Lord of Islay (died 1299?), as his principal agent in the maritime west. In this capacity, the aforesaid Clann Domhnaill chief attempted to contain the Clann Dubhghaill revolt against English authority.[21]

The struggle between the two Clann Somhairle namesakes seems to be attested not long after Alasdair Óg's appointment in April 1297, and is documented in two undated letters from the latter to Edward I. In the first, Alasdair Óg complained to the king that Alasdair Mac Dubhghaill and others had ravaged his territories. Alasdair Óg further reported that the Clann Ruaidhrí brothers had ravaged Skye and Lewis and Harris. At the end of the letter, the Clann Domhnaill chief implored upon Edward I to instruct the other noblemen of Argyll and Ross to aid him in his struggle against the king's enemies.[22]

Now-ruinous Inverlochy Castle, where Alasdair Óg attempted to capture the region's largest warships, then in the hands of his opponents.

In the second letter, Alasdair Óg again appealed to the English Crown, complaining that he faced a united front from Alasdair Mac Dubhghaill, the latter's son Donnchadh, (Alasdair Mac Dubhghaill's brother-in-law) John II Comyn, Lord of Badenoch (died 1303), and Lachlann himself. Alasdair Óg further reported that he had battled against Lachlann and Ruaidhrí; and related a specific expedition in which he pursued his opponents to the Comyn stronghold of Inverlochy Castle, but was unable to capture two massive galleysthe largest warships in the Western Isles. Much like the aforesaid letter, Alasdair Óg called upon the English king for financial support in combating his mounting opponents.[23]

In opposition to Scottish patriots

Coat of arms of the Lord of Argyll as it appears in the fourteenth-century Balliol Roll.[24][note 3]

The report of an English spy at an important council of the Guardians of Scotland in August 1299 reveals that news of devastations beyond the Firth of Forth, committed by Lachlann and Alexander Comyn, younger brother of John Comyn, Earl of Buchan (died 1308), was brought forth before leading Scottish magnates. As it turned out, this piece of threatening news quelled heated quarrel at the assembly.[28]

Alasdair Óg seems to have been killed in battle against Clann Dubhghaill in 1299,[29] after which his brother Aonghus Óg appears to have succeeded him as chief of Clann Domhnaill.[30] In 1301, whilst in the service of the English Crown, Aonghus Óg entreated the king on behalf of Lachlann and Ruaidhríwho were then aiding the English-aligned military forces of Aonghus Óg and Hugh Bisset (fl. 1301)asking the king to grant the brothers feu of their ancestral lands.[31] Another letter, this one from Hugh to Edward I, reveals that Aonghus Óg, Eóin Mac Suibhne (fl. 12611301), and Hugh himself, were engaged in maritime operations against Clann Dubhghaill that year.[32]

In June 1301, Edward I instructed the Admiral of the Cinque Ports, Gervase Alard, to take into the king's peace Alasdair Mac Dubhghaill, the latter's sons Eóin and Donnchadh, Lachlann himself, and Lachlann's wife and their followers.[33] Although no evidence of the admiral's activities off Scotland's western seaboard survive for that year, it is apparent that this impending submission of Clann Dubhghaill was regarded by the English as significant enough to divert the fleet. Clann Dubhghaill's conciliation with the English Crown may have been undertaken merely as a means to improve the family's own position, or possibly conducted on account of the apparent success of Clann Domhnaill's actions against them.[34]

Coat of arms of the Earl of Buchan as depicted in the Balliol Roll.[35]

In 1304, correspondence from John Strathbogie, Earl of Atholl (died 1306) to Edward I suggests that Lachlann was still working in concert with Alexander Comyn. John Strathbogie, evidently resentful of Alexander's appointment as Sheriff of Aberdeen, besought the English Crown not to allow him possession of Aboyne Castle as Alexander not only had two of the strongest castles in the northUrquhart and Tarradalebut was working in league in Lachlann, who was then attempting raise a galley of twenty oars from various davochs.[36] Although the earl did not identity the said lands, they would appear to have been Clann Ruaidhrí territories, and perhaps Skye as well.[37]

Seal of Robert I, King of Scotland.[38] After seizing the throne, this embattled king appears to have partly owed his survival to efforts of Lachlann's sister, Cairistíona.

In February 1306, Robert Bruce, Earl of Carrick (died 1329), a claimant to the Scottish throne, killed his chief rival to the kingship, John III Comyn, Lord of Badenoch.[39] Although the former seized the throne (as Robert I) by March, the English Crown immediately struck back, defeating his forces in June. By September, Robert I was a fugitive, and appears to have escaped into the Hebrides.[40] According to the chronicler John Fordun (died 1363), Lachlann's aforesaid sister, Cairistíona, played an instrumental part in Robert I's survival at this low point in his career, sheltering him along Scotland's western seaboard.[41][note 4] Later the next year, at about the time of Edward I's death in July 1307, Robert I mounted his remarkable return to power, first consolidating control of Carrick.[44] In contrast to the assistance Cairistíona lent to the Scottish king, Lachlann sided himself closer with the English, as he appears to have personally sworn fealty to Edward I at Ebchester in August 1306, and petitioned for certain lands of Patrick Graham, a landholder forfeited from his estate for lending support to the Bruce cause. The document that preserves this petition records Lachlann's name as "Loughlā Mac Lochery des Isles".[45]

Coat of arms of the Earl of Ross as depicted in the Balliol Roll.[46]

In October, there is evidence indicating that a certain Cristin del Ard delivered messages from the English Crown to William II, Lachlann, Ruaidhrí, and a certain Eóin mac Neacail (fl. 13061316) .[47][note 5] William II played a key role in Robert I's aforesaid misfortunes at about this time, as the earl captured the latter's wife and daughterElizabeth (died 1327) and Marjorie (died 1316)and delivered them into the hands of Edward I.[49] The aforesaid correspondence could have concerned this particular episode,[50] and may evince an attempt by the English Crown to project pro-English power into the Isles against Robert I and his supporters.[51]

In opposition to the Earl of Ross

Fourteenth-century drawing of Edward II, King of England, as depicted in British Library Royal MS 20 A II.[52]

Lachlann last appears on record in 1307/1308 in correspondence between William II and Edward II, King of England (died 1327).[53] At the time, the earl appears to have found himself in a perilous position as the aforesaid Earl of Buchan found himself the target of Robert I's attention late in 1307, and was soundly subdued by him in 1308.[54] This consolidation of power by the Scottish Crown was evidently not William II's only concern, as he reported to Edward II that Lachlann refused to render to him the revenues that Lachlann owed to the English Crown. In the words of William II, Lachlann "is such a high and mighty lord, he'll not answer to anyone except under great force or through fear of you".[53] The earl's letter is a testimonial to Clann Ruaidhrí power at this point in time;[55] and it would seem that Clann Ruaidhrí support for the Bruce cause may have been felt in Ross.[56] Certainly, the Chronicle of Lanercost reveals that Robert I received Hebridean support when he first launched his aforesaid return in Galloway.[57] Having been in conflict with William II for over decade, it appears that Lachlann and his kin capitalised on Robert I's campaign against William II and his confederates. In fact, king's success against the earl may well have stemmed from leading Islesmen like Lachlann himself.[58] Whatever the case, Lachlann disappears from the historical record, and seems to have been succeeded by his brother, Ruaidhrí.[59]

Succession

Now-ruinous Castle Tioram may have once been a principal Clann Ruaidhrí stronghold.[60] The island the fortress sits upon is first recorded in a charter of Lachlann's sister, Cairistíona.[61] According to tradition, the castle was erected by his niece, Áine Nic Ruaidhrí (fl. 131850).[62]

Ruaidhrí appears to have only gained control of the lordship after swearing allegiance to Robert I.[63] Specifically, at some during the king's reign, Cairistíona resigned her rights to Ruaidhrí on the condition that, if the latter had no male heir of his own, the lordship would revert to her like-named son, who would in turn marry one of Ruaidhrí's daughters.[64] Although there is uncertainty as to why the king allowed Ruaidhrí consolidate control of the kindred over his own close associate Cairistíona,[65] it is apparent that Ruaidhrí's faithful service to the king ensured the continuation of his kindred.[66]

At about the turn of the twentieth century, partisan historians of Clann Domhnaill portrayed Lachlann and his kin as "Highland rovers", and likened their aforesaid exploits against Clann Domhnaill to the "piratical tendencies of the ancient Vikings".[67] Later in twentieth-century historical literature, Lachlann was still regarded a "sinister figure", likened to a "buccaneering predator", and described as a "shadowy figure ... always in the background, always a troublemaker".[68]

Ancestry

Notes

  1. Since the 1970s, academics have accorded Lachlann various patronymic names in English secondary sources: Lachlan MacRuairidh,[1] Lachlan MacRuairi,[2] Lachlan Macruarie,[3] Lachlan MacRuari,[4] and Lochlan Macruari,[5]
  2. In the record of his homage, Lachlann's name appears as "Rouland fiz Aleẏn Mac Rotherik".[19] Anglo-Norman clerics are otherwise known to have rendered forms of the Gaelic name Lachlann into forms of the more common Continental name Roland.[20]
  3. The coat of arms is blazoned: or, a galley sable with dragon heads at prow and stern and flag flying gules, charged on the hull with four portholes argent.[25] The coat of arms corresponds to the seal of Alasdair Mac Dubhghaill, Lachlann's father-in-law, distant kinsman, and ally.[26] Since the galley was a symbol of Clann Dubhghaill and seemingly Raghnall mac Somhairle (died 1191/1192c. 1210/1227)ancestor of Clann Ruaidhrí and Clann Domhnaillit is conceivable that it was also a symbol of the eponymous ancestor of Clann Somhairle, Somhairle mac Giolla Brighde (died 1164).[27]
  4. Cairistíona was closely associated with Robert I. Her husband was not only a brother of his first wife, but a brother of the husband of Robert I's sister.[42] This relationship with Robert I may well account for her support.[43]
  5. Eóin appears to be the earliest member of Clann Mhic Neacail on record.[48]

Citations

  1. Barrow (2006).
  2. Brown (2008).
  3. Barrow (2003); Barrow (1988); Barrow (1973).
  4. Watson (2013); Fisher (2005); Sellar (2004); Campbell of Airds (2000).
  5. Rixson (1982).
  6. McDonald (2004) p. 181; Barrow (1988) pp. 290, 347 n. 104.
  7. McDonald (2004) p. 181; McDonald (1997) pp. 174, 189190.
  8. Boardman, S (2006) p. 54 n. 60; Sellar (2004); Sellar (2000) p. 211.
  9. MacGregor (1989) pp. 2425, 25 n. 51; Barrow (1988) p. 347 n. 104; Stevenson (1870) pp. 189191 § 445; Bain (1884) p. 235 § 903; PoMS, H3/0/0 (n.d.-c); PoMS Transaction Factoid, No. 84392 (n.d.).
  10. MacGregor (1989) pp. 2425, 25 n. 51; Barrow (1988) p. 347 n. 104; Lamont (1981) pp. 161, 164; Stevenson (1870) p. 436 § 615; Bain (1884) p. 320 § 1254; PoMS, H3/31/0 (n.d.); PoMS Transaction Factoid, No. 84286 (n.d.).
  11. Brown (2004) p. 258, 258 n. 4; McQueen (2002) p. 110; Sellar (2000) p. 212; Barrow (1988) pp. 5758; Duncan; Brown (19561957) pp. 204205; Bain (1884) p. 145 § 621; Rymer; Sanderson (1816) p. 761; PoMS, H3/33/0 (n.d.); PoMS Transaction Factoid, No. 80039 (n.d.).
  12. Stell (2005); Brown (2004) p. 258.
  13. Cameron (2014) p. 152; Brown (2004) p. 258; Barrow (1973) p. 383; Duncan; Brown (19561957) pp. 216217; The Acts of the ... (1844) p. 447; RPS, 1293/2/16 (n.d.); RPS, 1293/2/17 (n.d.).
  14. Boardman, S (2006) p. 19; Brown (2004) p. 258.
  15. Brown (2008) pp. 3132; Boardman, S (2006) p. 19; Brown (2004) p. 258; Bain (1884) pp. 434435 § 1631, 435 § 1632; PoMS, H3/20/5 (n.d); PoMS, H3/20/6 (n.d); PoMS Transaction Factoid, No. 80893 (n.d.); PoMS Transaction Factoid, No. 80899 (n.d.).
  16. Collard (2007) pp. 2, 10 fig. 8.
  17. Prestwich (2008); Brown (2004) p. 259.
  18. Barrow (2003) p. 347, 347 n. 2; Barrow (1973) p. 381, 381 n. 2; Bain (1884) pp. 209210 § 823; Instrumenta Publica ... (1834) p. 158; PoMS, H6/2/0 (n.d.); PoMS Transaction Factoid, No. 79778 (n.d.).
  19. Barrow (2003) p. 347, 347 n. 2; Barrow (1973) p. 381, 381 n. 2; Bain (1884) pp. 209210 § 823; Instrumenta Publica ... (1834) p. 158; PoMS, H6/2/0 (n.d.); PoMS Transaction Factoid, No. 79778 (n.d.).
  20. Barrow (2006) p. 147 n. 28; Barrow (2003) pp. 139, 347 n. 2; Campbell of Airds (2000) p. 308 n. 42; Oram (2000) p. 215 n. 64; McDonald (1997) pp. 189, 190 n. 121; Barrow (1973) p. 381 n. 2.
  21. Watson (2013) ch. 2; McNamee (2012b) ch. 3; Young; Stead (2010) pp. 6869; Brown (2004) pp. 258259; Rotuli Scotiæ ... (1814) p. 40; PoMS, H5/1/0 (n.d.); PoMS Transaction Factoid, No. 88272 (n.d.).
  22. Watson (2013) ch. 2, ch. 2 n. 52; Barrow (2006) p. 147; Brown (2004) p. 259; Barrow (2003) p. 347; Campbell of Airds (2000) p. 60; McDonald (1997) pp. 165, 190; Barrow (1988) pp. 107, 347 n. 104; Rixson (1982) pp. 1315, 208 n. 2, 208 n. 4; Barrow (1973) p. 381; Stevenson (1870) p. 187188 § 444; Bain (1884) pp. 235236 § 904; PoMS, H3/0/0 (n.d.-b); PoMS Transaction Factoid, No. 83146 (n.d.).
  23. Watson (2013) ch. 2, ch. 2 n. 52; Brown (2009) pp. 1011; Fisher (2005) p. 93; Barrow (2003) p. 347; Campbell of Airds (2000) p. 60; Sellar (2000) p. 212; McDonald (1997) pp. 154, 165; Barrow (1988) pp. 107, 347 n. 104; Rixson (1982) pp. 1516, 208 n. 4, 208 n. 6; Barrow (1973) p. 381; Stevenson (1870) pp. 189191 § 445; Bain (1884) p. 235 § 903; PoMS, H3/0/0 (n.d.-c); PoMS Transaction Factoid, No. 84392 (n.d.).
  24. Campbell of Airds (2014) p. 204; McAndrew (2006) p. 66; McAndrew (1999) p. 693; McAndrew (1992); The Balliol Roll (n.d.).
  25. McAndrew (2006) p. 66; The Balliol Roll (n.d.).
  26. McAndrew (2006) p. 66; McAndrew (1999) p. 693; McAndrew (1992).
  27. Campbell of Airds (2014) pp. 202203.
  28. Watson (2013) ch. 3; Barrow (2006) p. 147; Watson (2004a); Barrow (2003) p. 347; McQueen (2002) p. 199; Barrow (1988) pp. 107, 347 n. 99, 347 n. 103; Barrow (1973) p. 381; Bain (1884) pp. 525526 § 1978.
  29. Penman (2014) p. 65, 65 n. 7; Campbell of Airds (2000) p. 61; McDonald (1997) pp. 168169, 168169 n. 36.
  30. McDonald (1997) p. 169.
  31. Cameron (2014) p. 153; Barrow (2003) p. 347; McDonald (1997) pp. 167, 169, 190191; Barrow (1988) pp. 168, 347 n. 104; Lamont (1981) pp. 161, 164; Barrow (1973) p. 381; Stevenson (1870) p. 436 § 615; Bain (1884) p. 320 § 1254; PoMS, H3/31/0 (n.d.); PoMS Transaction Factoid, No. 84286 (n.d.).
  32. McDonald (1997) p. 167; Reid (1960) pp. 1011; Stevenson (1870) p. 435 § 614; Bain (1884) p. 320 § 1253; PoMS, H3/90/11 (n.d.); PoMS Transaction Factoid, No. 84282 (n.d.).
  33. Watson (2013) ch. 3; Campbell of Airds (2000) p. 60; Sellar (2000) p. 211; McDonald (1997) p. 168; Reid (1960) pp. 1011; Calendar of the Patent Rolls (1895) p. 588; Stevenson (1870) pp. 429430 § 610; Bain (1884) p. 307 § 1204; PoMS, H1/27/0 (n.d.); PoMS Transaction Factoid, No. 88919 (n.d.).
  34. Watson (2013) ch. 4.
  35. McAndrew (2006) p. 44; McAndrew (1999) pp. 674, 703; The Balliol Roll (n.d.).
  36. Brown (2008) pp. 3132; Barrow (2006) p. 147; Watson (2004b); Barrow (2003) p. 347; Barrow (1988) p. 156; Bain (1884) p. 435 § 1633.
  37. Barrow (2006) p. 147.
  38. Birch (1905) p. 135 pl. 20.
  39. Barrow (2008); Young (2004); McDonald (1997) p. 169.
  40. Barrow (2008); McDonald (1997) pp. 170174.
  41. Young; Stead (2010) p. 92; McDonald (2006) p. 79; Barrow (2003) p. 347; Duffy (2002) p. 60; McDonald (1997) pp. 174, 189, 196; Barrow (1988) p. 170; Barrow (1973) pp. 380381; Skene (1874) p. 335; Skene (1871) p. 343.
  42. McNamee (2012b) ch. 5; Barrow (1988) pp. 170, 383, 384.
  43. McDonald (2006) p. 79.
  44. Barrow (2008); McDonald (1997) pp. 174175; Skene (1874) p. 335; Skene (1871) p. 343.
  45. Barrow (2006) p. 147; Barrow (2003) p. 347; Barrow (1988) p. 327; Barrow (1973) pp. 381382; Palgrave (1837) p. 310.
  46. McAndrew (2006) p. 136; The Balliol Roll (n.d.).
  47. Brown (2008) p. 20; Sellar; Maclean (1999) pp. 67; PoMS, H5/3/0 (n.d.); PoMS Transaction Factoid, No. 87337 (n.d.); Simpson; Galbraith (n.d.) p. 205.
  48. Sellar; Maclean (1999) pp. 68.
  49. Barrow (2004); Sellar; Maclean (1999) pp. 67; Barrow (1988) pp. 160161.
  50. Sellar; Maclean (1999) pp. 67.
  51. Brown (2008) p. 20.
  52. Phillips (2008); Royal MS 20 A II (n.d.).
  53. 1 2 Barrow (2003) p. 348; McDonald (1997) p. 190; Barrow (1988) p. 177; Barrow (1973) p. 382; Rixson (1982) pp. 1819, 208 n. 10; Bain (1888) pp. 382 § 1837, 400; PoMS, H3/20/7 (n.d.); PoMS Transaction Factoid, No. 88778 (n.d.).
  54. McNamee (2012a) ch. 2; Neville (2012) p. 1; Watson (2004a); McQueen (2002) p. 223; Barrow (1988) pp. 175177.
  55. Rixson (1982) pp. 1819.
  56. McNamee (2012a) ch. 2; Brown (2008) pp. 3132.
  57. McNamee (2012a) ch. 2 n. 28; Maxwell (1913) p. 188; Stevenson (1839) p. 212.
  58. Brown (2008) pp. 3132.
  59. McDonald (1997) p. 191; Barrow (1988) p. 290.
  60. Tabraham (2005) pp. 29, 111.
  61. Stell (2014) p. 273; Boardman, S (2006) p. 46; Fisher (2005) p. 91; Raven (2005) p. 63; McDonald (1997) pp. 189190 n. 120; PoMS, H3/0/0 (n.d.-a); PoMS Transaction Factoid, No. 79436 (n.d.).
  62. Stell (2014) pp. 273274; Macphail (1914) p. 26.
  63. Barrow (1988) p. 290.
  64. Boardman, S (2006) pp. 46, 55 n. 61; Ewan (2006); Raven (2005) p. 63; Boardman, SI (2004); Brown, M (2004) p. 263; Barrow (1988) pp. 290291; Thomson (1912) pp. 428429 § 9; MacDonald; MacDonald (1896) pp. 495496.
  65. Boardman, S (2006) p. 46; Brown (2004) p. 263.
  66. Boardman, S (2006) p. 46.
  67. McDonald (1997) p. 190; MacDonald; MacDonald (1896) p. 87.
  68. McDonald (2006) p. 79; McDonald (1997) p. 190; Barrow (1988) p. 290.
  69. 1 2 3 4 Brown (2004) p. 77 fig. 4.1; Sellar (2000) p. 194 tab. ii.

References

Primary sources

Secondary sources

External links

This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the Monday, May 02, 2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.