Domhnall of Islay

Last updated

Domhnall Mac Domhnaill (died 1318?), also known as Domhnall of Islay and Domhnall of the Isles, was a fourteenth-century Scottish nobleman. He appears to have been a member of Clann Domhnaill. First attested in the first decade of the fourteenth century, Domhnall appears to be last recorded in the second decade upon his death. Domhnall's attestations suggest that he was a claimant to the chiefship of Clann Domhnaill, and may have possessed the chiefship.

Contents

Uncertain parentage

Domhnall may have been a son of Aonghus Mór mac Domhnaill. [1] As such he may have been a younger brother of Alasdair Óg, and an older brother of Aonghus Óg. [2] Another possibility is that he was a cousin of Aonghus Mór's sons. [3] As such, Domhnall could have been a son of Aonghus Mór's younger brother, Alasdair Mór. [4] Alternately, it is also possible that Domhnall was a son of Alasdair Og [5] or Aonghus Og. [6]

No extant traditional genealogical source specifically accords Aonghus Mór and Alasdair Óg with a son named Domhnall. [7] The fifteenth-century manuscript National Library of Scotland Advocates' 72.1.1 (MS 1467), on the other hand, accords Alasdair Mór a son with this name. [8] Nevertheless, Domhnall appears to have had a brother named Gofraidh, and whilst Alasdair Óg is otherwise recorded to have had a son by this name, Alasdair Mór is not. [9] [note 1]

Possible attestations

Edward Bruce's Gallovdian campaign, 1308

Midway through 1308, Edward Bruce overran Galloway. [11] This campaign seems to be reported by the fourteenth-century texts Chronicle of Lanercost , [12] Gesta Annalia II , [13] and the Bruce . [14] The final clash in this Gallovidian campaign may have been fought near Buittle, on the banks of the River Dee, rather than the Cree as claimed by the Bruce. [15] Specifically, Gesta Annalia II relates that a certain 'Domhnall of the Isles' led a host of Gallovidians to the River Dee where they were defeated by Edward Bruce, and the leader was himself captured. [16] [note 2] Whilst it is possible that the defeated man mentioned by this source might refer to Domhnall himself, [20] another possibility is that the account instead refers to Dubhghall Mac Dubhghaill. [21]

A later account of the battle, preserved by the fifteenth-century Scotichronicon , [22] confusingly identifies 'Domhnall of the Isles' as leader of the Gallovidian forces, but then includes a verse about the clash in which a 'Domhnall of Islay' is identified as an ally of Edward Bruce. [23] As such, there is reason to suspect that the Bruce-aligned 'Domhnall' mentioned by this source is identical to Domhnall himself, [24] and that the Gallovidian-aligned 'Domhnall' is identical to Domhnall Mac Cana, a Gallovidian who consistently supported the English against the Bruces, and who disappears from record at about this point in history. [25]

The account of Edward Bruce's campaigning against the Gallovidians, given by the Chronicle of Lanercost, states that his forces were partly composed of men from the Isles. [26] The evidence of Domhnall in league with pro-Bruce forces could indicate that Gesta Annalia II was erroneous in placing him and the Islesmen against Edward Bruce's forces. [27] One possibility is that the account given by the Chronicle of Lanercost influenced Gesta Annalia II in its identification of Edward Bruce's foe as from the Isles. [21] [note 3]

Robert I's first parliament, 1309

Domhnall is recorded to have been present at Robert I, King of Scotland's first parliament at St Andrews, in March 1309. Domhnall's name appears immediately after that of Alasdair Mac Dubhghaill in a list of men who witnessed a letter from the parliament to the King of France. [30] If Domhnall indeed fought against and captured by Edward Bruce in 1308, Domhnall's subsequent attestation at Robert's parliament could indicate that he had submitted to the king after the defeat. [31] [note 4]

Royal charter witness, 1308×1314

Domhnall witnessed an undated charter of Robert to Melrose Abbey. [36] The charter evidently dates to some point in 1308×1314, [37] perhaps March 1309. [38]

Clann Domhnaill factionalism

The attestations of Domhnall suggest that he was a contestant to the Clann Domhnaill lordship, [39] and may have possessed the chiefship. [40]

At an uncertain date, perhaps 1306, [38] 1308, [27] or else in 1314 and/or 1315, [41] Eóin Mac Dubhghaill was directed by the English Crown to bring into the king's peace Domhnall, Gofraidh—a man described as Domhnall's brother—and a certain Eóin Mac Neacail. [42] [note 5]

If the records of the English reaching out to Domhnall date to 1315, it would reveal that the Clann Domhnaill leadership was fractured at the onset of the Bruce campaign in Ireland. [44] Not only had Eóin Mac Dubhghaill been assigned to make overtures to leading Hebrideans—like Domhnall and Gofraidh—but he was placed in command of the English naval forces responsible for retaking the Isle of Man. [45] The very same year, according to the Bruce, Robert had his fleet dragged across the Tarbert isthmus between Knapdale and the Kintyre peninsula at about the very time his brother, Edward, initiated his invasion of Ireland. The poem further claims that the Islesmen were dejected as a result of Robert's action, on account of an old prophecy foretelling that whoever could sail their ships across the peninsula would hold dominion in the Isles that no other would be able to withstand. [46] It is probable that, whilst in the region, Robert collected submissions from competing members of Clann Domhnaill. The king's visit may have also been intended to counter advances made by Clann Dubhghaill. [44] [note 6]

Although no charters from Robert to members of Clann Domhnaill are extant, undated seventeenth-century indices reveal that leading members of the kindred indeed received grants. [48] Even though none are known to have been gifted to Domhnall, it is very likely that he received some. One possibility is that he gained the bulk of the Clann Domhnaill lordship of Islay and in Kintyre. [49] Certainly, Aonghus Óg received a grant for the former Comyn lordship of Lochaber, and the adjacent regions of Ardnamurchan, Morvern, Duror, and Glencoe; [50] whilst a certain Alasdair of the Isles received the islands of Mull and Tiree, formerly possessed by Clann Dubhghaill. [51]

The royal grants to Aonghus Óg and Alasdair of the Isles could be evidence that these two were competitors for the Clann Domhnaill chiefship. The record of Domhnall's presence at Robert's 1309 parliament could likewise indicate that he represented a rival interest in the kindred. [52] Furthermore, the Bruce states that, when Robert fled English-aligned forces to Dunaverty Castle in 1306, Robert was fearful of treason during his stay. [53] One possibility is that this statement preserves a record of the king's vulnerability to competing regional factions. Although the Bruce specifies that the Clann Domhnaill dynast to whom the king owed his salvation was Aonghus Óg, there is reason to question this claim. [54] If Robert indeed found protection at a Clann Domhnaill fortress—like Dunyvaig Castle—the attestations of Domhnall could indicate that it was he who assisted the king. [55]

Death in Ireland, 1318

Domhnall appears to be noted by the continuation of the Annales of Nicholas Trevet. [56] If this fourteenth-century English chronicle is to be believed, Domhnall evidently died in 1318, whilst serving in the Bruce campaign in Ireland, [57] conceivably at the Battle of Faughart. [58]

Notes

  1. ↑ Although a Clann Domhnaill pedigree preserved by National Library of Scotland Advocates' 72.1.1 seems to identify a certain Gofraidh as a son of Alasdair Mór, this man's lineage appears to be missing a generation, and seems to refer to Alasdair Óg instead. If so, the epithet that the pedigree accords this Gofraidh's father—"mhoir"—is actually that of Aonghus Mór. [10]
  2. ↑ There are numerous manuscript versions of Gesta Annalia II. One identifies him as 'of Mar', another leaves a blank space after his name, indicating that the scribes were unsure as to the man's identity. [17] According to the Bruce, the English forces were led by Aymer St John and Ingram Umfraville. [18] According to the Chronicle of Lanercost, the leaders of the Bruce forces were Edward Bruce, Alexander Lindsay, Robert Boyd, and James Douglas. [19]
  3. ↑ Although there may be reason to suspect that the battle actually dates to the well-attested Gallovidian campaigns of 1307 or 1313, because such a clash in 1308 is not corroborated by administrative sources, the fact that the battle is recounted by sources such as the Chronicle of Lanercost, Gesta Annalia II, the Bruce, and Scotichronicon, appears to affirm its historicity. [28] One explanation for the fact that it is not attested by English records is that it was overshadowed by other events of 1308, such as the loss of Inverurie and the herschip of Buchan. [29]
  4. ↑ In 1293, a certain 'Domhnall mac Aonghuis' ("Douenald filius Aneg'") is recorded to have been absent from the inaugural parliament of John, King of Scotland. [32] Although it is conceivable that this name refers to Domhnall himself, [33] it is more likely a scribal error in reference to Aonghus Mór ('Aonghus mac Domhnaill'), [34] who is ordered to render his homage by Easter, 1293. [35]
  5. ↑ There is a possibility that the apparent forenames of Domhnall and Gofraidh actually represent garbled and contracted forms of chiefly surnames. If so, one possibility is that the names refer to the chiefs of Clann Domhnaill—perhaps Aonghus Óg—and Clann Ruaidhrí. [43]
  6. ↑ According to the Bruce, whilst Robert was in the region, a certain John of Lorn resisted the king before his was imprisoned and died in captivity. Although this individual is unlikely to represent Eóin Mac Dubhghaill, it is possible that he is identical to Eóin Mac Neacail, a man who was evidently contemplating siding with Edward II at about this time. [47]

Citations

  1. ↑ Young (2018) p. 125 n. 91; McDonald (1997) pp. 187–188; Duffy (1991) p. 311; Lamont (1981) p. 165.
  2. ↑ Penman, M (2014) p. 102; Penman, MA (2014) p. 68, 68 n. 17; Duncan (2007) p. 148 n. 725–62; Barrow (2005) pp. 211, 378; Murray (2002) p. 228 n. 32; McDonald (1997) pp. 187–188; Munro; Munro (1986) pp. 282–283 n. 10.
  3. ↑ Penman, M (2014) pp. 102, 358 n. 67; Penman, MA (2014) p. 68, 68 n. 17.
  4. ↑ Young (2018) p. 125 n. 91; Murray (2002) pp. 222–223 tab., 229 n. 35; McDonald (1997) pp. 187–188; Duffy (1991) pp. 311–312; Munro; Munro (1986) pp. 279 tab. 1, 282 n. 10.
  5. ↑ Penman, M (2014) p. 358 n. 67; Penman, MA (2014) p. 68 n. 18; McDonald (1997) pp. 187–188; Duffy (1991) p. 311.
  6. ↑ Penman, M (2014) p. 358 n. 67; Penman, MA (2014) p. 68 n. 18.
  7. ↑ McDonald (1997) p. 188; Duffy (1991) p. 311; Munro; Munro (1986) p. 283 n. 10.
  8. ↑ McDonald (1997) p. 188; Duffy (1991) p. 312; Munro; Munro (1986) p. 282 n. 10; Black; Black (n.d.).
  9. ↑ Duffy (1991) pp. 311–312.
  10. ↑ Maclean-Bristol (1995) p. 168; Black; Black (n.d.).
  11. ↑ Scott (2009) ch. 10 ¶ 47; Barrow (2005) pp. 234–235, 469 n. 81; Reid (1984) p. 308.
  12. ↑ Young (2018) p. 125 n. 91; Caldwell (2012) p. 285; McNamee (2012b) ch. 2 ¶¶ 18–20; Duncan (2007) p. 344 n. 479; Barrow (2005) pp. 234–235, 469 n. 81; Traquair (1998) p. 155; Reid (1984) pp. 308, 342 n. 121; Maxwell (1913) p. 188; Stevenson (1839) p. 212.
  13. ↑ Young (2018) p. 125, 125 n. 91; Caldwell (2012) p. 285 n. 103; McNamee (2012b) ch. 2 ¶ 20; Barrow (2005) pp. 234–235, 469 n. 81; Oram (1992) p. 40; Skene (1872) p. 337 ch. 125; Skene (1871) p. 345 ch. 125.
  14. ↑ Penman, M (2014) p. 107; McNamee (2012b) ch. 2 ¶ 20; Scott (2009) ch. 10 ¶ 47; Barrow (2005) pp. 234–235, 469 n. 81; Oram (1992) p. 40; Mackenzie (1909) pp. 161–163 bk. 9; Eyre-Todd (1907) pp. 153–155 bk. 9.
  15. ↑ Barrow (2005) pp. 235, 469 n. 82.
  16. ↑ Young (2018) p. 125, 125 n. 91; Caldwell (2012) p. 285 n. 103; McNamee (2012b) ch. 2 ¶ 20; Shead; Stevenson; Watt et al (1991) p. 444 n. 54; Reid (1984) pp. 308, 342 n. 121; Lamont (1981) pp. 165–166; Skene (1872) p. 337 ch. 125; Skene (1871) p. 345 ch. 125.
  17. ↑ Shead; Stevenson; Watt et al (1991) p. 444 n. 54.
  18. ↑ Barrow (2005) pp. 234–235; Reid (1984) p. 342 n. 120; Mackenzie (1909) pp. 161–163 bk. 9; Eyre-Todd (1907) pp. 153–155 bk. 9.
  19. ↑ Barrow (2005) p. 469 n. 81; Maxwell (1913) p. 188; Stevenson (1839) p. 212.
  20. ↑ Reid (1984) pp. 308, 342 n. 121; Lamont (1981) pp. 165–166.
  21. 1 2 Lamont (1981) pp. 165–166.
  22. ↑ Young (2018) p. 125 n. 91; Penman, M (2014) p. 107; Duncan (2007) pp. 344, 344–345 n. 479; Murray (2002) p. 229 n. 35; Shead; Stevenson; Watt et al (1991) pp. 344–345, 444–445 n. 54; Goodall (1759) p. 242 bk. 12 ch. 17.
  23. ↑ Duncan (2007) p. 344 n. 479; Shead; Stevenson; Watt et al (1991) pp. 344–345, 444–445 n. 54; Goodall (1759) p. 242 bk. 12 ch. 17.
  24. ↑ Young (2018) p. 125 n. 91; Penman, M (2014) p. 107; Caldwell (2012) p. 285, 285 n. 103; McNamee (2012b) ch. 2 ¶ 20; Murray (2002) p. 229 n. 35; Shead; Stevenson; Watt et al (1991) pp. 444–445 n. 54.
  25. ↑ Young (2018) p. 125 n. 91; Penman, M (2014) p. 107; Caldwell (2012) p. 285, 285 n. 103; McNamee (2012b) ch. 2 ¶ 20; Oram (1992) p. 40; Shead; Stevenson; Watt et al (1991) p. 444–445 n. 54.
  26. ↑ McNamee (2012b) ch. 2 ¶ 19; Barrow (2005) p. 469 n. 81; Lamont (1981) pp. 165–166; Maxwell (1913) p. 188; Stevenson (1839) p. 212.
  27. 1 2 Reid (1984) p. 342 n. 121.
  28. ↑ McNamee (2012b) ch. 2 ¶ 20.
  29. ↑ Duncan (2007) pp. 344–345 n. 479.
  30. ↑ Sellar (2016) p. 104; Penman, M (2014) pp. 102, 110–111, 157, 358 n. 67; Penman, MA (2014) p. 68, 68 n. 17; McNamee (2012a) ch. 6 n. 42; McNamee (2012b) ch. 2 n. 37; Barrow (2005) pp. 240, 378, 465 n. 125; Brown, M (2004) p. 263; Murray (2002) p. 229 n. 35; Munro; Munro (1986) p. 282 n. 10; Reid (1984) p. 342 n. 121; Lamont (1981) pp. 165, 167; The Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland (1844) p. 459; Document 3/0/0 (n.d.); RPS, 1309/1 (n.d.a); RPS, 1309/1 (n.d.b).
  31. ↑ Reid (1984) p. 342 n. 120.
  32. ↑ McQueen (2002) p. 144; Lamont (1981) pp. 160, 165; The Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland (1844) p. 447; RPS, 1293/2/20 (n.d.a); RPS, 1293/2/20 (n.d.b).
  33. ↑ Lamont (1981) p. 165.
  34. ↑ Penman, M (2014) p. 38; McQueen (2002) p. 144 n. 15; Lamont (1981) pp. 160, 165.
  35. ↑ Holton (2017) pp. 149, 152, 161; Brown, M (2011) p. 16; Barrow (2005) p. 74; McQueen (2002) p. 144 n. 15; McDonald (1997) pp. 133–134, 146; Lamont (1914) p. 6 § 8; Brown, A (1889) pp. 192–194; The Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland (1844) p. 448; Rymer; Sanderson (1816b) p. 787; Document 1/51/4 (n.d.); RPS, 1293/2/8 (n.d.a); RPS, 1293/2/8 (n.d.b).
  36. ↑ Penman, MA (2014) p. 68 n. 17; Barrow (2005) p. 465 n. 125; Munro; Munro (1986) p. 282 n. 10; Lamont (1981) pp. 165, 167; Liber Sancte Marie de Melrose (1837) pp. 340–341 § 376.
  37. ↑ Lamont (1981) p. 167.
  38. 1 2 Barrow (2005) p. 465 n. 125.
  39. ↑ Penman, MA (2014) pp. 67–68, 67 n. 18; McDonald (1997) pp. 187–188.
  40. ↑ Sellar (2016) p. 104; Penman, M (2014) p. 189; Duncan (2007) p. 148 n. 725–62; Murray (2002) p. 228 n. 32.
  41. ↑ Penman, MA (2014) p. 70; McNamee (2012b) ch. 5 ¶ 21; Brown, M (2004) p. 263; Sellar; Maclean (1999) p. 7; Duffy (1991) p. 311; Lamont (1981) p. 165.
  42. ↑ Cochran-Yu (2015) p. 72, 72 n. 98; Penman, M (2014) p. 157, 358 n. 67; Penman, MA (2014) pp. 68 n. 17, 70; McNamee (2012b) ch. 5 ¶ 21; Barrow (2005) p. 465 n. 125; Brown, M (2004) p. 263; Sellar; Maclean (1999) p. 7; Duffy (1991) p. 311; Munro; Munro (1986) p. 282 n. 10; Reid (1984) p. 342 n. 121; Lamont (1981) pp. 165–166; List of Diplomatic Documents (1963) p. 209; Bain (1888) p. 377 § 1822; Rotuli Scotiæ (1814) pp. 121, 139; Document 1/27/0 (n.d.).
  43. ↑ Barrow (2005) p. 465 n. 125; Lamont (1981) pp. 165–166.
  44. 1 2 Penman, M (2014) p. 166; Penman, MA (2014) p. 70.
  45. ↑ Penman, MA (2014) p. 70; McNamee (2012b) ch. 5 ¶ 21; Rotuli Scotiæ (1814) pp. 138–139.
  46. ↑ MacGregor (2018); Penman, M (2014) p. 166; Penman, MA (2014) p. 70; Duncan (2007) pp. 564–565 bk. 15; Duffy (2002) pp. 59, 193 n. 55; Mackenzie (1909) pp. 268–270 bk. 15; Eyre-Todd (1907) pp. 259–260 bk. 15.
  47. ↑ Duncan (2007) pp. 564–566 bk. 15, 564–565 n. 305–310; Mackenzie (1909) pp. 270 bk. 15, 456–457 § 299; Eyre-Todd (1907) p. 260 bk. 15.
  48. ↑ Penman, MA (2014) p. 66.
  49. ↑ Barrow (2005) p. 378.
  50. ↑ MacDonald, IG (2014) p. 48 n. 136; Penman, M (2014) p. 102; Petre (2014) p. 272; Penman, MA (2014) p. 66; Daniels (2013) p. 25; McNamee (2012a) ch. 10 ¶ 25; Boardman, S (2006) pp. 45, 54 n. 52; Barrow (2005) p. 378; Brown, M (2004) p. 263; Munro, RW; Munro, J (2004); Oram (2004) p. 124; Duffy (2002) p. 62; Murray (2002) p. 223; McDonald (1997) p. 184, 184 n. 104; Duffy (1993) p. 207 n. 77; Munro; Munro (1986) p. 282 n. 6; Lamont (1981) p. 168; Thomson, JM (1912) p. 512 §§ 56–58.
  51. ↑ Penman, M (2014) p. 102; Penman, MA (2014) pp. 66, 67–68; McNamee (2012a) ch. 10 ¶ 25; Boardman, S (2006) p. 45; Barrow (2005) p. 378; Brown, M (2004) p. 263; Murray (2002) p. 224; McDonald (1997) p. 184, 184 n. 104; Duffy (1993) p. 207 n. 77; Duffy (1991) p. 312; Munro; Munro (1986) p. 281 n. 5; Lamont (1981) p. 168; Steer; Bannerman; Collins (1977) p. 203; Thomson, JM (1912) p. 553 § 653.
  52. ↑ Penman, M (2014) p. 102; Penman, MA (2014) p. 68.
  53. ↑ Penman, M (2014) pp. 102–103; Penman, MA (2014) p. 68; McNamee (2012a) ch. 5 ¶¶ 25–31; McNamee (2012b) ch. 1 ¶ 31; Duncan (2007) p. 144–145 bk. 3; Mackenzie (1909) p. 53 bk. 3; Eyre-Todd (1907) p. 50 bk. 3.
  54. ↑ Penman, MA (2014) pp. 68–69; Duncan (2007) p. 148 n. 725–62.
  55. ↑ Duncan (2007) p. 148 n. 725–62.
  56. ↑ Penman, M (2014) pp. 189, 372 n. 92; Murray (2002) p. 229 n. 35; Duffy (1991) p. 311, 311 n. 42, 314.
  57. ↑ Penman, M (2014) pp. 189, 372 n. 92; McNamee (2012b) ch. 5 ¶ 56; Murray (2002) p. 229 n. 35; Duffy (1991) pp. 311–312.
  58. ↑ Penman, M (2014) p. 189; Duffy (1991) p. 312.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aonghus Óg of Islay</span> Scottish magnate

Aonghus Óg Mac Domhnaill, or Angus Og MacDonald, was a fourteenth-century Scottish magnate and chief of Clann Domhnaill. He was a younger son of Aonghus Mór mac Domhnaill, Lord of Islay. After the latter's apparent death, the chiefship of the kindred was assumed by Aonghus Óg's elder brother, Alasdair Óg Mac Domhnaill.

Dubgall mac Somairle was an apparent King of the Isles. He was a son of Somairle mac Gilla Brigte and Ragnhildr Óláfsdóttir. Dubgall was a leading figure of Clann Somairle, and the eponymous ancestor of Clann Dubgaill. Dubgall's career is obscure, and little is certain of his life.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aonghus Mór</span> Scottish nobleman

Aonghus Mór mac Domhnaill was a leading figure in the thirteenth-century kingdoms of the Isles and Scotland. He was a son of Domhnall mac Raghnaill, the eponym of Clann Domhnaill, a branch of Clann Somhairle. Aonghus Mór appears to have succeeded his father in the mid part of the thirteenth century. At the time, the rulers of the Isles were fiercely independent of the Scottish Crown, and owed nominal allegiance to the distant Norwegian Crown. Aonghus Mór's first certain appearance in the historical record seems to evince his involvement in aiding native Irish kindreds against the consolidation of Anglo-Irish authority in the north-west of Ireland. Such cooperation could have been undertaken in the context of overseas kindreds like Clann Domhnaill constructing Irish alliances to gain assistance against Scottish encroachment.

Ruaidhrí mac Raghnaill was a leading figure in the Kingdom of the Isles and a member of Clann Somhairle. He was a son of Raghnall mac Somhairle and was the eponymous ancestor of Clann Ruaidhrí. Ruaidhrí may have become the principal member of Clann Somhairle following the annihilation of Aonghus mac Somhairle in 1210. At about this time, Ruaidhrí seems to have overseen a marital alliance with the reigning representative of the Crovan dynasty, Rǫgnvaldr Guðrøðarson, King of the Isles, and to have contributed to a reunification of the Kingdom of the Isles between Clann Somhairle and the Crovan dynasty.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Domhnall mac Raghnaill</span> Hebridean noble

Domhnall mac Raghnaill was a Hebridean noble in the late 12th and early 13th centuries. He is the eponymous progenitor of Clan Donald. For this reason some traditions accumulated around him in the later Middle Ages and early modern period. His vast impact on culture and in the centuries remains today. Despite his role as the historical figurehead of one of the world's most famous kindreds and surnames, there is almost no contemporary evidence yielding certain information about his life.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alasdair Óg of Islay</span> Scottish lord and clan leader

Alasdair Óg Mac Domhnaill was Lord of Islay and chief of Clann Domhnaill. He was the eldest son of Aonghus Mór mac Domhnaill, Lord of Islay. Alasdair Óg seems to first appear on record in 1264, when he was held as a hostage of the Scottish Crown for his father's good behaviour. During Alasdair Óg's career, the Scottish realm endured a succession crisis as a result of the unexpected death of Margaret, Maid of Norway, heir to the Scottish throne, in 1290. One of several factions that staked a claim to the throne was the Bruce kindred. Both Alasdair Óg and his father were cosignatories of the Turnberry Band, a pact that may have partly concerned the Bruces' royal aspirations.

Dubhghall mac Ruaidhrí was a leading figure in the thirteenth-century Kingdom of the Isles, on the West Coast of Scotland. He was a son of Ruaidhrí mac Raghnaill, and thus a member of Clann Ruaidhrí. Dubhgall was the last Gaelic King of Mann.

Aonghus mac Somhairle was a leading member of Clann Somhairle. He was a son of Somhairle mac Giolla Brighde, King of the Isles and Ragnhildr Óláfsdóttir. Other sons of Somhairle and Ragnhildr include Dubhghall, Raghnall, and possibly Amhlaoíbh. Aonghus' father was the common ancestor of Clann Somhairle. The succession of this kindred upon Somhairle's death is uncertain. The Clann Somhairle imperium appears to have spanned from Glenelg in the north, to the Mull of Kintyre in the south. It is possible that Aonghus came to rule in the north, with Dubhghall centred in Lorne, and Raghnall in Kintyre and the southern islands.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clann Ruaidhrí</span> Medieval Scottish clan

Clann Ruaidhrí was a leading medieval clan in the Hebrides and the western seaboard of Scotland. The eponymous ancestor of the family was Ruaidhrí mac Raghnaill, a principal member of Clann Somhairle in the thirteenth century. Members of Clann Ruaidhrí were factors in both the histories of the Kingdom of the Isles and the Kingdom of Scotland in the thirteenth- and fourteenth centuries. The family appears to have held power in Kintyre in the thirteenth century. By the fourteenth century, the family controlled an extensive provincial lordship stretching along the north-western Scottish coast and into the Hebrides. As a leading force in the Kingdom of the Isles, the family fiercely opposed Scottish authority. With the collapse of Norwegian hegemony in the region, the family nimbly integrated itself into the Kingdom of Scotland.

Domhnall mac Alasdair was a son of Alasdair Mór mac Domhnaill, and a member of Clann Domhnaill. Domhnall is attested by the fifteenth-century manuscript National Library of Scotland Advocates' 72.1.1. He may be identical to Domhnall of Islay. The latter's attestations suggest that he was a contestant to the Clann Domhnaill lordship, and may have possessed the chiefship.

Ailéan mac Ruaidhrí was a leading figure in the thirteenth-century kingdoms of the Isles and the Scotland. He was a son of Ruaidhrí mac Raghnaill, and thus a member of the Clann Ruaidhrí branch of Clann Somhairle. Ailéan was a brother of Dubhghall mac Ruaidhrí, King of Argyll and the Isles, a significant figure who held power in the mid thirteenth century. At the time, the rulers of the Isles were fiercely independent of the Scottish Crown, and owed nominal allegiance to the distant Norwegian Crown. In 1259, Dubhghall's daughter married the son of King of Connacht, and Ailéan is recorded to have commanded the woman's tocher of one hundred and sixty gallowglass warriors.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Christina of the Isles</span> 14th-century Scottish noblewoman

Christina of the Isles was a fourteenth-century Scottish noblewoman. She was the daughter of Ailéan mac Ruaidhrí and a leading member of Clann Ruaidhrí. Although Ailéan had two sons, Lachlann and Ruaidhrí, both appear to have been illegitimate, whereas Christina was legitimate, and possibly a daughter of Ailéan's wife, Isabella.

Dubhghall mac Suibhne was a Scottish landholder in Argyll, and a leading member of Clann Suibhne. He was a son of Suibhne mac Duinn Shléibhe, and appears to have held lordship of Knapdale from at least the 1240s to the 1260s, and may have initiated the construction of Skipness Castle and Lochranza Castle.

Murchadh Mac Suibhne was a leading member of Clann Suibhne. He was a grandson of the family's eponymous ancestor Suibhne mac Duinn Shléibhe, and a nephew of the family's mid-thirteenth-century representative, Dubhghall mac Suibhne.

Dungal MacDouall was a fourteenth-century Scottish nobleman, and a member of the MacDouall family. He was a vigorous opponent of Robert I, King of Scotland during the First War of Scottish Independence, and was knighted by Edward I, King of England for his services to the English Crown. Dungal was a close associate of John MacDougall, Lord of Argyll, whom he may have regarded as a kinsman. Dungal received grants of lands in England and Ireland after losing his own in Scotland. During his career, Dungal commanded Dumfries Castle and Rushen Castle, and is described by a contemporary record as "Captain of the army of Galloway". Dungal had a large family, and was succeeded by his son, Duncan.

The Battle of the River Dee or the Battle of the River Cree, was fought on 29 June 1308 during the Scottish Wars of Independence near Buittle, on the banks of the River Dee or River Cree, Galloway, Scotland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eóin Mac Suibhne</span>

Eóin Mac Suibhne was a fourteenth-century Scottish nobleman and a leading member of Clann Suibhne. In the middle of the thirteenth century, seemingly during the 1260s, Eóin's family appears to have been ejected from its homeland in Argyll by the Stewart/Menteith kindred. It may have been during this period that members of Clann Suibhne took up residence in Ireland.

Raghnall Mac Ruaidhrí was an eminent Scottish magnate and chief of Clann Ruaidhrí. Raghnall's father, Ruaidhrí Mac Ruaidhrí, appears to have been slain in 1318, at a time when Raghnall may have been under age. Ruaidhrí himself appears to have faced resistance over the Clann Ruaidhrí lordship from his sister, Cairistíona, wife of Donnchadh, a member of the comital family of Mar. Following Ruaidhrí's demise, there is evidence indicating that Cairistíona and her powerful confederates also posed a threat to the young Raghnall. Nevertheless, Raghnall eventually succeeded to his father, and first appears on record in 1337.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lachlann Mac Ruaidhrí</span> Scottish magnate

Lachlann Mac Ruaidhrí was a Scottish magnate and chief of Clann Ruaidhrí. 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.

Ruaidhrí Mac Ruaidhrí was a fourteenth-century Scottish magnate and chief of Clann Ruaidhrí. He was an illegitimate son of Ailéan mac Ruaidhrí, and is recorded to have participated in the kindred's military actions against supporters of both the English Crown and Scottish Crown. Following the apparent death of his brother, Lachlann, Ruaidhrí appears to have taken control of the kindred, and firmly aligned the family with Robert I, King of Scotland. Ruaidhrí may well be the member of Clann Ruaidhrí who is recorded slain at the Battle of Faughart in support of the Bruce cause in Ireland. After his death, Ruaidhrí's half-sister, Cairistíona, attempted to transfer the Clann Ruaidhrí territories outside the family. Ruaidhrí was survived by a daughter, Áine, and an illegitimate son, Raghnall. The latter fended off Cairistíona's actions and succeeded to the chiefship of Clann Ruaidhrí.

References

Primary sources

Secondary sources

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.