Alan Durward
Alan Durward (also: Door Alan Ward or Alan Hostarius ) ( Scottish Gaelic: Ailean Dorsair ) ( † 1275 ) was one of the most important political figures of Scotland in the 13th century. He was twice Counsel of Scotland and belonged during the minority of Alexander III. the second college of Guardians of Scotland at.
Life
Alan Durwards father was Thomas de Lundin, a grandson of Gille Crist, 3rd Earl of Mar. His mother is unknown, but it was very likely a daughter of Máel Coluim, Earl of Atholl, which Alan came from the same two Gaelic Graf families.
From his father he inherited the post of Hostarius, the guardian of the royal possessions. The name Durward or Door Ward suggests an additional function as a leader of the royal guard. Both names, however, are to be considered at this time as a function names rather than a family name.
Alan took probably 1228/29 participated in the campaign to quell the uprising of Meic Uilleim (Mac William). In the year 1233, if not earlier, he took control of Clan Urquhart and laid likely the foundation for Urquhart Castle. Around the same time he seems to have started to use the title "Count of Atholl ". In the earlier research was usually assumed that he had geehelicht whose daughter Isabella after the death of Thomas of Galloway, Earl of Atholl. In light of recent research, it seems likely, however, that Alan Durward this marriage did not respond, but wanted to emphasize in particular his claim to the title he derived as the grandson of Máel Coluim. Through a deed dated January 9, 1234, it seems as if Alexander II recognized this claim first. In a document dated July 7, 1235 Durward no longer bore the title, however, and was also in the following years to other documents no more than " Mormaer " or " Earl " means.
Alan intended as a descendant of Gille Crist, like his father before him, the title of Earl of Mar on. However, were Gille Crist 's descendants through the line of Morggán, 2nd Earl of Mar, was excluded from the succession. Alan failed in an attempt Uilleam, the reigning Earl of Mar, to leave but know the title and could thus never achieve the earldom for himself.
Alan led a long time an intense rivalry with the House Comyn. This had an impact on the larger politics of Scotland, as during the time the minority of Alexander III. two competing power factions formed around the Comyns and to Alan Durward. So Durward could push back the dominated by the Comyns first Quorum of the Guardians of Scotland and led from 1255 itself this item. At the same time he took out a second time, the Office of the General Counsel of Scotland true. From 1257, however, he had released back both offices. Nevertheless, there seems to have been at a later period a rapprochement between Durward and Alexander Comyn. So both together resulted later two campaigns against Norway; Alan joined in 1272 as a witness on a deed of Alexander Comyn.
Durward spent in his second half of life a lot of time in England. During the minority of Alexander III. he seems to be with Henry III. to have been in good terms, probably to support his own position of power in Scotland. The English king gave him the Manor of Bolsover.
Alan Durward died in 1275, his remains were interred in the Abbey of Coupar Angus.
He was married to Marjory, an illegitimate daughter of Alexander II, with whom he had three children.
- Ermengarde, ∞ William II de Soules
- Anna, ∞ Colban, Earl of Fife
- Name unknown daughter, ∞ John Bisset
Alan Duward had at least one illegitimate son named Thomas Durward, but did not play a prominent role in Scottish politics.