Alexander Comyn, 2nd Earl of Buchan (died 1289) was a Scoto-Norman magnate who was one of the most important figures in the 13th century Kingdom of Scotland.

Life

He was the son of William Comyn, Lord of Badenoch, and wife Marjory, Countess of Buchan, the heiress of the last native Scottish Mormaer of Buchan, Fergus. He was the chief counsellor of Alexander III, King of Alba (Scotland) for the entire period of the king's majority and as Scotland's leading magnate, played a key role in safeguarding the independence of the Scottish monarchy. During his long career, Alexander Comyn was Justiciar of Scotia (1258–1289), Constable of Scotland (1275–1289),[1] Sheriff of Wigtown (1263–1266), Sheriff of Dingwall (1264–1266), Baillie of Inverie (in Knoydart) and finally, Guardian of Scotland (1286–1289) during the first interregnum following the death of Alexander III. In 1284 he joined with other Scottish noblemen who acknowledged Margaret of Norway as the heiress to King Alexander.[2] He died sometime after 10 July 1289.

Marriage and issue

Alexander had at least nine children with his wife, Elizabeth (or Isabel or Isabella) de Quincy, daughter of Roger de Quincy, 2nd Earl of Winchester, and wife Helen of Galloway:

References

  1. ^ Foedera p. 228
  2. ^ Foedera, p. 228

Sources

  • Rymer, Thomas;Foedera Conventiones, Literae et cuiuscunque generis Acta Publica inter Reges Angliae, London, 1745. (Latin) [1]
  • Young, Alan; Robert the Bruce's Rivals: The Comyns, 1213–1314, (East Linton, 1997).
  • Young, Alan and Cumming, George; The Real Patriots of Early Scottish Independence, Birlinn, (Edinburgh, 2014).
Peerage of Scotland
Preceded by Earl of Buchan
1244–1289
Succeeded by
Legal offices
Preceded by Justiciar of Scotia
1258–1289
Succeeded by
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