Donnchadh, Earl of Mar

Donnchadh, also Duncan ( * before 1207, † before February 7, 1244), 4th Earl of Mar, was a Scottish nobleman.

Life

His name appears for the first time in a document from 1207 in which it occurs together with his brother James as a witness signature for the eldest brother Malcolm. Even in a royal deed of Alexander II from 1222 he is listed as Duncan, son of Morgund.

As he gained the title of Earl, is still unclear. This was first mentioned on a certificate of appointment of the King from August 29, 1228 - even though his older brother James demonstrably lived until 1232. Also a challenge to the title in 1230 by Thomas de Lundin, a descendant of Gille Crist through the female line was unsuccessful.

Like his predecessor was also a generous patron Donnchadh for various abbeys and parish churches. The Priory of Monymusk, which had already been gifted by Gille Crist, received the churches of Braemar and Kindrocht for the souls of his father and mother. The Church of Logy Mar, whose construction began under his predecessor, was intended as his burial church and overwrite the bishopric of Aberdeen. In 1242 he signed a contract with the Abbey of St. Adrews where the monks give him all church lands in Tarland and Migvie against the payment of a second tithe.

Donnchadh was married, his wife's name is unknown. From this marriage came demonstrably only a son; William, his heir and later 5th Earl.