Fergus of Galloway

1097:, who was in turn a claimant to the Scottish throne and somehow related to Somairle. Following David's death in 1153, Somairle and Máel Coluim had risen in revolt against a newly inaugurated Malcolm without much success. Domnall's later capture in western Galloway, therefore, could be evidence that the Meic Máel Coluim claimants had attempted to forcefully carve out a power base in western Galloway. However, the fact that the chronicle makes no mention of such conflict in Galloway, coupled with the fact that Whithorn was a spiritual centre rather than a secular power centre, could suggest that Domnall was in the region under less violent circumstances. If so, it is conceivable that Fergus could have originally forged an understanding with the Meic Máel Coluim before pressure from his sons forced him to desert Domnall's cause. The fact that the latter's capture preceded Somairle's coup could suggest that, although Domnall may have been in the midst of securing Gallovidian support, once Somairle's designs against Guðrøðr became apparent, the Gallovdians handed over Somairle's kinsman to the Scots. 1106: 1219:. Surviving sources reveal that he overshadowed his sons during his lifetime, with Uhtred witnessing only three charters and Gilla Brigte none at all. The latter's apparent exclusion from affairs of state could be relevant to the subsequent animosity between the siblings, as well as the difficulties Fergus faced with the men late in his career. Upon Fergus's death, the lordship appears to have been split between the brothers. Although there is no specific evidence for Gilla Brigte's share, later transactions involving Uhtred reveal that the latter held lands in the lower Dee valley, seemingly centred in an area around Kirkcudbright. The fact that this region appears to have formed the core of Fergus's holdings could be evidence that Uhtred was the senior successor. Conceivably, Uhtred's allotment consisted of the lordship's territory east of the river Cree, whilst Gilla Brigte's share was everything east of this waterway. 509: 481: 183: 580: 365: 990:

chronicle reveals that the Haraldsonnar fortified themselves against forces loyal to the kingdom's legitimate heir by launching a pre-emptive strike against Fergus. Although the invasion of Galloway was repulsed with heavy casualties, once the Haraldsonnar returned to Mann the chronicle records that they slaughtered and expelled all resident Gallovidians that they could find. This ruthless reaction evidently reveals an attempt to uproot local factions adhering to Affraic and her son. Whatever the case, within months of his father's assassination, Guðrøðr executed his vengeance. Enstrengthened with Norwegian military support, Guðrøðr overcame his three kin-slaying cousins, and successfully secured the kingship for himself.

626:

wife was indeed a bastard of Henry I, Fergus himself had a stake in the unfolding English succession crisis, as she would have been a half-sister of Stephen's opponent, Matilda, whom Henry I had nominated as his royal successor. Explicit confirmation of Fergus's involvement may exist in the terms of the subsequent peace treaty, as Richard Hexham recorded that one of the hostages that was handed over to the English for surety was the son of an earl named Fergus. The fact that there was no Scottish earl of that name suggests that, unless Richard Hexham was mistaken, it was Fergus himself who was referred to. In any case, after this date there is no further evidence of Fergus's involvement in Anglo-Scottish affairs.

1068: 783:

In any case, if Fergus and David were involved in the abbey's endowment, the fact that it was colonised by Cistercians from Rievaulx suggests that it was somewhat of a penitential foundation in regard to the infamous Gallovidian contribution at the Battle of the Standard four years previously. Furthermore, the fact that Thurstan himself had been responsible for the English resistance meant that Fergus had warred against his own spiritual overlord, and had almost certainly endured ecclesiastical repercussions as a result. In the eyes of the Cistercians, Fergus and David were both responsible for failing to curb atrocities committed during the campaign, and Fergus himself was held accountable by Walter Daniel's

492:

of his Anglo-Norman realm. The date of Uhtred's earliest attestation suggests that he was born in about 1123/1124 at the latest, whilst the fact that Guðrøðr was old enough to render homage to the Norwegian king in 1153 suggests that Affraic herself was born no later than about 1122. Such birth dates suggest that Fergus's marriage dates to a period when the English Crown consolidated authority in the north-west and extended its influence into the Irish Sea. From the perspective of the English, an alliance between Henry I and Fergus would have secured an understanding with the man who controlled an important part of the north western flank of the Anglo-Norman realm. In fact, one of Henry I's bastard daughters,

434: 1223: 1155: 834: 723: 751: 281: 999: 791: 1179:, an ancient ecclesiastical centre that Somairle attempted to revive during his reign in the Isles, could suggest some sort of concord between the rulers. If Somairle and Fergus had indeed been allies, the fall of the latter, coupled with the further advancement of Scottish authority into the Solway region, may have finally brought Somairle to terms with the Scots. An alternate possibility is that the charter clause could be evidence that Somairle supported Malcolm in his suppression and destruction of Fergus. There is also reason to suspect that 978: 924: 635: 1200: 910:

status, which in turn could explain Fergus's ecclesiastical activities. In effect, his religious foundations may evince attempts to assert his authority in the region. While the foundation of an episcopal see seems to have been a means by which Fergus sought to reinforce his independence from the Scots, his remarkable support of reformed religious orders may have been a way in which he attempted to legitimise his regal aspirations.

496:, was wed to the reigning Alexander, seemingly not long after the latter's accession. Fergus's own apparent marriage, therefore, appears to evidence not only his pre-eminent status in Galloway itself, but the degree of political sovereignty he possessed as its ruler. The unions of Alexander and Fergus evidence Henry I's intent of extending English authority north of the 1052:, and "the territories of Scotland". This record appears to be evidence that Guðrøðr, Fergus, and perhaps Somairle, provided ships to Muirchertach's cause. Although Toirrdelbach's forces obtained a narrow victory, his northern maritime power seems to have been virtually nullified by the severity of the contest, and Muirchertach soon after marched on 606:, successfully seized the throne. Before the end of the year, the Scots surged forth and seized Carlisle and Cumberland before peace was restored. Relations broke down the following year, and the Scots again invaded in 1137, seizing Northumberland, and pushed forth towards York. The contemporary accounts of the English chroniclers 966:, may well have represented a threat to the authority of Óláfr, and the prospects of Fergus's grandson. By the mid-part of the twelfth century, however, the ageing Óláfr's realm may well have begun to buckle under the strain, as perhaps evidenced by the depredations wrought on the Scottish mainland by Óláfr's leading ecclesiast, 241:, and could be evidence that Fergus's father bore the same name. On the other hand, instead of being evidence of any historical relationship, the names could have been employed by the romance merely because they were regarded as stereotypically Gallovidian. In any case, there is reason to suspect that the romance is a literary 672:

to indicate Gilla Aldan was a non-Scottish appointment. If Fergus was indeed responsible for Whithorn's revival, it would have almost certainly aided his royal aspirations since securing ecclesiastical independence could have been part of the process of ensuring political independence. Gilla Aldan's successor was

49: 1469:

Considering Fergus's apparent connections with Cistercians, Augustinians, and Premonstratensians, a possible relationship between him and Máel Máedoc is not inconceivable. Fergus may have also possessed connections with Ailred, who spent part of his career as a member of David's court before becoming

778:

failed to note the house amongst David's known foundations. The fact that Walter Daniel, a Cistercian monk from the community at Rievaulx, was highly critical of Galloway and its inhabitants may be evidence that Fergus was unlikely to have been the sole founder. David's own close connections with the

671:

The fact that Gilla Aldan was likely of native origin—as opposed to David's apparent preference for Anglo-Norman clergy—and the fact that Gilla Aldan professed obedience to the Archbishop of York—an ecclesiast whom David was attempting to exclude from influencing the Scottish Church—would both appear

667:

between about 1128 and 1140. It is uncertain who was the driving force behind the revival. David's known ecclesiastical activities could suggest that he was responsible. On the other hand, the extent of David's authority in Galloway is questionable. As for Fergus himself, there is no conclusive proof

161:

settled a dispute amongst his leading magnates and launched three military campaigns into Galloway. The reasons for the Scottish invasion are unknown. On one hand, it is possible that Fergus had precipitated events by preying upon Scottish territories. In the aftermath of the attack, the king came to

849:

claims that Fergus founded the priory of St Mary's Isle, the fantastical foundation claims preserved by this source are not corroborated by contemporary sources. According to a confirmation charter dating to within the decade after Fergus's death, Fergus granted the house to the abbey of Holyrood. A

782:

The abbey of Dundrennan appears to have been founded in about 1142, which in turn places its formation at a time when David had extended his power in the south west. Such a date also places the foundation at about the time Máel Máedoc was in the region, which in turn may hint at his own involvement.

625:

Although Gallovidians clearly took part in David's campaigning, there is no specific evidence connecting Fergus to the operations until after operations ceased. It is possible that Fergus's attestation of 1136 could have had bearing on Gallovidian participation in the king's campaigning. If Fergus's

566:

appears to have not only signalled the Scottish Crown's intention of consolidating control of the region, but served as a declaration of the kingdom's claims to Cumbria. Fergus's marriage to Henry I's daughter, which appears to date to about this period, may have been arranged with such developments

491:

Henry I appears to have had about twenty-four illegitimate children. Although the name and identity of Fergus's wife is unknown, she would seem to have been one of Henry I's numerous illegitimate daughters through which the king forged marital alliances with neighbouring princes along the periphery

825:

seems to be evidence that Soulseat originated as a Cistercian house founded by Máel Máedoc himself. If Máel Máedoc and Fergus met during the former's apparent stay in Cruggleton, it is conceivable that Fergus granted him the lands upon which he founded a religious house at Soulseat. If Máel Máedoc

1116:

There is evidence to suggest that Fergus struggled to maintain control of his lordship during the decade. Such a crisis could well have kept him from intervening in the Isles on Guðrøðr's behalf. As with the latter, the failure of Muirchertach's mercenary fleet could have contributed to a loss of

989:

The following year marked a watershed in the history for the Kingdom of the Isles with the successive deaths of David and Óláfr. The latter was slain by three Dublin-based sons of his exiled brother, after which these men—the Haraldsonnar—partitioned Mann amongst themselves. Once in control, the

1170:

describes Malcolm's Gallovidian opponents as "federate enemies", and makes no mention of his sons, suggests that Fergus was supported by other accomplices. In fact, it is possible that Malcolm had encountered an alliance between Fergus and Somairle. Evidence of such a coalition may exist in the

909:

Furthermore, the introduction of Augustinians and Premonstratensians into Galloway may have been part of a process of revitalising the newly reformed diocese. The construction of ecclesiastical buildings, much like castles, was often a means by which mediaeval rulers displayed their pre-eminent

448:

There is a considerable amount of evidence indicating that Fergus married a daughter of Henry I (many believe it was Elizabeth Fitzroy). For example, there is documentary evidence suggesting that all three of Fergus's children—Uhtred, Gilla Brigte, and Affraic—were related to the English royal

742:

was founded at some point between about 1154 and 1160. According to the annals of Maurice of Prato, this house was transformed into a Premonstratensian house by Christian in about 1177. These sources, therefore, appear to reveal that Fergus was responsible for the establishment of a possibly

575:

who had previously received extensive lands from the English Crown. In fact, it is possible that it was in the wake of Ranulf's removal that Robert de Brus originally received the lordship of Annandale. If so, the latter may have been inserted into the region by Henry I, or perhaps through

1059:

The defeat of forces drawn from the Isles, and Muirchertach's subsequent spread of power into Dublin, may have had severe repercussions concerning Guðrøðr's career. In 1155 or 1156, Somairle and an apparent relative of Ottar precipitated a coup against Guðrøðr, presenting Somairle's son,

1238:

In the wake of Malcolm's destruction of Fergus, the Scottish Crown moved to further incorporate Galloway into the Scottish realm. Uhtred appears to have been granted the territory between the rivers Nith and Urr, whilst Gilla Brigte may have been wed to a daughter or sister of

567:

in mind. If so, the union could have been orchestrated as a means to not only compensate for Ranulf's removal, but to counter the dramatic rise of David and the resultant imbalance of power his ascent created. With Ranulf thus vacated from the north, Henry I had filled the

1356:

in modern historiography, there is no evidence that Fergus himself bore such a title. Surviving sources typically fail to accord him any title whatsoever, although there a few that may allude to royal status. For example, a late mediaeval list of endowments to the

519:

The early twelfth century saw the rise of Alexander's younger brother, David. The latter's close connections with the English likely contributed to his eventual acquisition of a substantial part of southern Scotland from Alexander. In about 1113, David married

602:, a union which closely bound him to the Scottish royal house. For as long as Henry I lived, relations between him and David remained harmonious. When the former died in 1135, however, the peace between the neighbouring realms was shattered when his nephew, 947:

valuable familial-connections with the English Crown, one of the most powerful monarchies in western Europe. As for Fergus, the union bound Galloway more tightly to a neighbouring kingdom from which an invasion had been launched during the overlordship of

658:

In about 1128, the Diocese of Whithorn was revived after three centuries had passed since the consecration of the last diocesan bishop. The revival itself is revealed by a papal mandate dated December 1128, and the record of the oath of the bishop-elect,

154:. The fact that there is no record of Fergus lending Guðrøðr support against Somairle could be evidence of a slackening of Fergus's authority. Contemporary sources certainly report that Galloway was wracked by inter-dynastic strife during the decade. 1247:. Surviving royal acta dating to after the fall of Fergus indicate that, from the perspective of the Scottish Crown, the Lordship of Galloway had been integrated into the Kingdom of Scotland, and was subject to the overlordship of Malcolm himself. 961:

portrays Óláfr's reign as one of tranquillity, a more accurate evaluation of his reign may be that he adeptly managed to navigate an uncertain political climate. In regard to Fergus, the acquisition of the Dublin kingship in 1142, by the Islesman

943:. Although the union itself is not dated in contemporary sources, the Scandinavian sojourn undertaken the couple's son in 1152 suggests that the marriage was arranged in the 1130s or 1140s. The alliance forged between Óláfr and Fergus gave the 405:, the Isles plunged into chaos, enduring periods of vicious dynastic kin-strife, overwhelming Norwegian overlordship, and Irish intrusion as well. By the end of the first quarter of the twelfth century, however, Guðrøðr Crovan's youngest son, 349:. Although this source associates the castle with the Scots, it seems unlikely that Scottish royal authority extended to the Gallovidian coast, and the statement could therefore be a result of confusion with Máel Máedoc's previous stay at the 897:

The inspiration behind Fergus's ecclesiastical patronage is uncertain. On one hand, it is conceivable that he was imitating or competing with the extensive patronage of the Scottish monarchy. On the other hand, familial connections with the

1138:

reveal that he launched three military expeditions into Galloway. The circumstances surrounding these invasions is unclear, although what is clear is that Fergus submitted to the Scots before the end of the year. Specifically, according to

870:, appears to have founded it in the thirteenth century. The erroneous attribution of Fergus to this house may be the result of an attempt to enhance the antiquity of its establishment by linking it with the progenitor of Alan's family. 1550:

According to Ailred, there was much confusion and consternation on the Scottish side before the Battle of the Standard, with the Gallovidians claiming the right to occupy the front line. Ailred states that it was Ferteth's father,

162:

terms with Somairle which could be evidence that he had either been allied with Fergus against the Scots or that he had aided in Fergus's destruction. In any case, Fergus himself was driven from power, and forced to retire to the

308:

to the church of St Kentigern at Glasgow. The exact extent of the twelfth-century Lordship of Galloway is unclear. Surviving acta of Fergus and Uhtred reveal a concentration of endowments in central Galloway, between the rivers

576:

collaborative effort between Henry I and his then-vassal David as a means of securing the Anglo-Scottish border. The apparent rise of Fergus at about this time may have also played a part in the infeftment of Annandale.

758:, perhaps founded or co-founded by Fergus. It is possible that monastery was founded partly as an act of penitence for Gallovidian atrocities committed in 1138 during the Scottish Crown's invasion of northern England. 1064:, as a replacement to Guðrøðr's rule. Late in 1156, Somairle and Guðrøðr clashed and divided the Kingdom of the Isles between themselves. Two years later the former drove the latter from the kingship and into exile. 321:

valley could represent the expansion of territory from this original core. There is evidence indicating that Fergus's domain extended into western Galloway as well. His descendants were certainly associated with the

8694:

MacInnes, IA (2019). "'A Somewhat too Cruel Vengeance was Taken for the Blood of the Slain': Royal Punishment of Rebels, Traitors, and Political Enemies in Medieval Scotland, c.1100–c.1250". In Tracy, L (ed.).

357:. In fact, Máel Máedoc's visit to Cruggleton may have involved the local lord of the region, conceivably Fergus himself. The mid-twelfth-century lordship, therefore, seems to have been centred in the region of 1243:, the kingdom's foremost Gaelic magnate. Scottish authority penetrated into the lordship through the installation of royal officials, and Scottish power was perhaps further projected into Galloway by a royal 388:

could be evidence that this man's mother was a member of a prominent family from this region. Such an alliance could also explain Fergus's apparent westward expansion. Whatever the case, the fact that the

10174: 1187:

is recorded to have taken a leading part in the Battle of the Standard, and Ferteth himself was married to a woman whose name may be evidence that she was a native of Galloway. The kin-strife noted by

1319:

Conversely, the name of the knight's father could indicate that this character represents the historical Somairle himself. Evidence that Somairle and Fergus were indeed related could be the fact that

1124:

In 1160, Malcolm returned to Scotland having spent months campaigning in the service of the English on the Continent. After successfully dealing with a considerable number of disaffected magnates at

743:

Augustinian house at Whithorn, whilst Christian was responsible for its later refoundation as a Premonstratensian institution. Such a switch was not an unknown occurrence in England or on

955:

One possible reason for Fergus's apparent lack of further participation in Anglo-Scottish affairs may have been due to events in the Isles. Although the thirteenth- to fourteenth-century

862:

appears in the thirteenth century. Fergus's supposed links with this house, therefore, are dubious. Although Walter Bower declared that Fergus was responsible for the foundation of the

10165:

Settlement and Integration in Scotland 1124–1214: Local Society and the Development of Aristocratic Communities: With Special Reference to the Anglo-French Settlement of the South East

1502:

Domnall's involvement in western Galloway may also hint at a possible connection between Somairle and Galloway, perhaps forming further evidence of kinship between Fergus and Somairle.

397:

that encompassed the entirety of his domain. The apparent extension of Fergus's authority into western Galloway may have been facilitated by the disintegration of the expansive nearby

952:. The alliance with Óláfr also ensured Fergus the protection of one of Britain's most formidable fleets, and further gave him a valuable ally outwith the orbit of the Scottish Crown. 260:

ancestry. Traditionally, the Gallovidians appear to have looked towards the Isles instead of Scotland, and the core of his family's lands seems to have centred in valley of the river

9908: 8969:

McDonald, RA (2016). "Sea Kings, Maritime Kingdoms and the Tides of Change: Man and the Isles and Medieval European Change, AD c1100–1265". In Barrett, JH; Gibbon, SJ (eds.).

457:. Although sources specifically concerning Gilla Brigte fail to make a similar claim, potentially indicating that he had a different mother than Uhtred, Gilla Brigte's son, 1348:. Another grant witnessed by Fergus at about this date concerned David's grant of a cut of the profits from Cumberland to the church. Both of these acts were concluded at 906:

could have played a part in his ecclesiastical interests. Contact with influential ecclesiasts like Máel Máedoc and Ailred could have also inspired Fergus's benefactions.

1183:

possessed some sort of affiliation with Fergus. Not only does Ferteth appear to be the most prominent of the disaffected magnates who confronted Malcolm in 1160, but his

528:. As the mid-part of the century approached, the balance of power along the northern part of the Anglo-Norman realm began to shift in favour of David. In 1120, Henry I's 470: 6683:

Descriptive Catalogue of Impressions From Ancient Scottish Seals, Royal, Baronial, Ecclesiastical, and Municipal, Embracing a Period From A.D. 1094 to the Commonwealth

1166:

On one hand, it is possible that Fergus himself had precipitated Malcolm's reaction by raiding into the territory between the rivers Urr and Nith. The fact that the

1143:, once the Scots subdued the Gallovidians, the conquerors forced Fergus to retire to the abbey of Holyrood, and hand over his son, Uhtred, as a royal hostage. The 208:" in contemporary sources suggests that he was the head of the most important family in the region. Such appears to have been the case with Fergus's contemporary 10205: 826:

indeed founded a Cistercian house on this site, it clearly was converted to a Premonstratensian monastery not long afterwards, under the advocacy of Fergus. The

417:

appears to have formed part of the English Crown's extension of influence into the Irish Sea region. Another aspect of this expansion was the establishment of

681: 8490: 8394:

Jamroziak, E (2008). "Cistercians and Border Conflicts: Some Comparisons Between the Experiences of Scotland and Pomerania". In Burton, J; Stöber, K (eds.).

10018: 9764: 9318: 8942:

McDonald, RA (2012). "The Manx Sea Kings and the Western Oceans: The Late Norse Isle of Man in its North Atlantic Context, 1079–1265". In Hudson, B (ed.).

8543: 8235: 7939: 7873: 7333: 1019: 7620:

Caldwell, DH; Hall, MA; Wilkinson, CM (2009). "The Lewis Hoard of Gaming Pieces: A Re-examination of Their Context, Meanings, Discovery and Manufacture".

1211:. The motte may have been the site of a castle of Walter de Berkeley, Chamberlain of Scotland, an Anglo-Norman settled in Galloway by Uhtred in the 1160s. 970:. Confirmation of Óláfr's concern over the royal succession may well be preserved by the chronicle, which states that Guðrøðr journeyed to the court of 6076: 1524:

Later evidence reveals that Fergus's descendants chose to regard his submission and retirement as one of piety rather than political submission. The

330: 1332:

At about the same time, Fergus also witnessed a grant of David to the church of St Kentigern in Glasgow concerning the king's gift of revenue from

237:

who may represent Fergus himself. The name of the knight's father in this source is a form of the name borne by Fergus's neighbouring contemporary

8756:

McDonald, A (1995). "Scoto-Norse Kings and the Reformed Religious Orders: Patterns of Monastic Patronage in Twelfth-Century Galloway and Argyll".

8812:

McDonald, RA (2000). "Rebels Without a Cause? The Relations of Fergus of Galloway and Somerled of Argyll With the Scottish Kings, 1153–1164". In

794: 719:

of Balmaclellan and Dalry) at some point in his career. This transaction appears to further evidence Fergus's alignment with the English Crown.

6835: 1478:, it was Ailred who later reconciled Fergus with his sons, and further prevailed upon him to retire from the lordship to the abbey of Holyrood. 8482: 1457: 647: 466: 204:

in contemporary sources, and his later descendants are traced no further than him in their charters. The fact that he tends to be styled "of

142:

descended from Fergus. When Óláfr was assassinated by a rival branch of the dynasty, Galloway itself was attacked before Fergus's grandson,

7440:

Beuermann, I (2014). "No Soil for Saints: Why was There No Native Royal Martyr in Man and the Isles". In Sigurðsson, JV; Bolton, T (eds.).

1027: 779:

Cistercians could suggest that the monastery owed its formation, as a daughter house of Rievaulx, to cooperation between David and Fergus.

1453: 726:

Confirmation charter noting Fergus's grant of lands of Dunrod to the Scottish abbey of Holyrood. Fergus's name appears on the sixth line.

533: 1105: 738:

to have founded a monastery at Whithorn. Christian's tenure as bishop (1154–1186), and Fergus's reign as lord (×1160), suggest that the

372:

from a distance. This fortress was an ancient Gallovidian power centre, and the castle itself may have been built by Fergus's grandson,

10363: 1159: 1151:

corroborate Fergus's monastic retirement, with the former source further recording Fergus's grant of the lands of Dunrod to the abbey.

974:

in 1152, where Guðrøðr rendered homage to the Norwegian king, and seemingly secured recognition of the royal inheritance of the Isles.

734:

states that Fergus was the founder of a Premonstratensian house at Whithorn. Both he and Christian are stated by the necrology of the

406: 135: 6752: 508: 238: 151: 9929: 402: 9968: 9714: 9671: 9628: 9585: 9500: 7495: 17: 9219: 6531: 10368: 939:

Early in his career, Fergus bound himself to the Isles in the form of a marital alliance between Affraic and Óláfr, the reigning

8923:

McDonald, RA (2008). "Man, Ireland, and England: The English Conquest of Ireland and Dublin-Manx Relations". In Duffy, S (ed.).

253:; and besides the coincidence of names, the tale has little to commend it as an authoritative source for the historical Fergus. 9350:

Oram, RD (2008). "Royal and Lordly Residence in Scotland c 1050 to c 1250: An Historiographical Review and Critical Revision".

6951:

The Annals of Roger de Hoveden: Comprising the History of England and of Other Countries of Europe, From A.D. 732 to A.D. 1201

817:. Walter Bower and the necrologies certainly state as such. However, the fact that this house appears to be identical to the " 10228: 10078: 9957: 9897: 9862: 9843: 9551: 9416: 9185: 8990: 8959: 8932: 8913: 8894: 8802: 8704: 8403: 8353: 8099: 8037: 7918: 7785: 7776:. Celtic, Anglo-Saxon, and Scandinavian Studies. Aberdeen: Centre for Anglo-Saxon Studies and The Centre for Celtic Studies, 7453: 7430: 7377: 7211: 7188: 677: 614:

single out Gallovidian soldiers for their excessive atrocities in David's campaign. Disaster struck the Scots in 1138 at the

563: 892:

depicting the perceived contrast between the Gallovdian culture and the reformed religious foundations introduced by Fergus.

138:

through the marriage of the latter to Fergus's daughter, Affraic. As a consequence of this union, the leading branch of the

10050:

Stringer, KJ (2000). "Reform Monasticism and Celtic Scotland: Galloway, c.1140–c.1240". In Cowan, EJ; McDonald, RA (eds.).

7677: 1528:

reveals that the souls of Fergus, Uhtred, Roland, and Alan were commemorated at the abbey as late as the fifteenth century.

150:. Both Fergus and his grandson appear to have overseen military operations in Ireland, before the latter was overthrown by 8885:

McDonald, RA (2007a). "Dealing Death From Man: Manx Sea Power in and around the Irish Sea, 1079–1265". In Duffy, S (ed.).

1552: 1184: 480: 269: 182: 949: 9457: 8615: 8421: 6646: 867: 579: 10259: 10059: 9923: 9808: 9574: 9300: 9234: 9152: 9133: 9114: 8875: 8856: 8825: 8746: 8596: 8429: 8376: 8334: 8217: 8132: 7740: 7709: 7550: 7484: 7407: 7370:

The Clergy in the Medieval World: Secular Clerics, Their Families and Careers in North-Western Europe, c. 800–c. 1200

7315: 7296: 7273: 6929: 6881: 6048: 1352:. The three transactions are the only Scottish royal acts witnessed by Fergus. Although Fergus is generally styled 1056:, gained overlordship over the Dubliners, and effectively secured himself the high-kingship of Ireland for himself. 393:

was revived in about 1128, possibly at the hands of Fergus himself, could indicate that he purposely established an

9948:

Strickland, MJ (2012). "The Kings of Scots at War, c. 1093–1286". In Spiers, EM; Crang, JA; Strickland, MJ (eds.).

1231: 559: 524:, a wealthy English widow, and through her came into possession of extensive lordship that came to be known as the 364: 1487:

An alternate possibility is that the annal does not refer to Galloway at all, and that it actually refers to the

971: 1162:. The Morvilles were one of numerous knightly families used by the Scottish Crown to encircle Fergus's lordship. 9244:

Oram, RD (1993). "A Family Business? Colonisation and Settlement in Twelfth- and Thirteenth-Century Galloway".

418: 354: 7979:; Gallagher, D; Holden, T; Hunter, F; Sanderson, D; Thoms, J (2004). "Dundonald Castle Excavations, 1986–93". 9050:

The Earls of Strathearn From the Twelfth to the Mid-Fourteenth Century, With an Edition of Their Written Acts

5991: 441: 422: 10270: 762:

Either Fergus or David—or perhaps both Fergus and David—may have been responsible for the foundation of the

433: 143: 10373: 7444:. The Northern World: North Europe and the Baltic c. 400–1700 AD. Peoples, Economics and Cultures. Leiden: 7174:"'Sweet Civility and Barbarous Rudeness': A View From the Frontier. Abbot Ailred of Rievaulx and the Scots" 6086: 1415: 1109: 703:. Surviving charter evidence reveals that Fergus granted the lands of Dunrod, St Mary's Isle (upon which a 521: 256:

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his origins, it is possible that Fergus was of Norse-Gaelic and native

158: 9823:"Peoples and Languages in Eleventh- and Twelfth-Century Britain and Ireland: Reading the Charter Evidence" 9799:(2000). "Hebridean Sea Kings: The Successors of Somerled, 1164–1316". In Cowan, EJ; McDonald, RA (eds.). 9164:'Clothing for the Soul Divine': Burials at the Tomb of St Ninian, Excavations at Whithorn Priory, 1957–67 8844: 7223: 6614: 1234:. The settlement of such men in southern Scotland may have been a means of countering the rise of Fergus. 1222: 1180: 1079:

It is uncertain why Fergus failed to support his grandson against Somairle. The record of the capture of

967: 851: 704: 1431:

Another possibility is that Robert de Brus had been originally installed in Annandale by Ranulf himself.

1377:("king"), or simply refer to a ruler without any royal connotations. The twelfth- to thirteenth-century 1175:. Additionally, the fact that several churches near Kirkcudbright are recorded to have once belonged to 1094: 10378: 9818: 9162:

Oram, R (2009). "The Medieval Bishops of Whithorn, Their Cathedral and Their Tombs". In Lowe, C (ed.).

8269: 8144: 7203: 6040: 5870: 1036: 859: 854:

reveals that the priory of St Mary's Isle may have been in existence by the time of Fergus's grandson,

384:, who may well have been Fergus's eldest child, later appears to have drawn his power from west of the 10088:

Thomas, N (1993). "The Old French Roman de Fergus: Scottish Mise-en-Scène and Political Implication".

272:. In any case, the fact that Fergus died as an old man in 1161 suggests that he was born before 1100. 7928: 7417:

Beuermann, I (2010). "'Norgesveldet?' South of Cape Wrath? Political Views Facts, and Questions". In

7399: 5847: 1385:, a style that likewise does not necessarily refer to royalty. Nevertheless, this source styles both 1240: 1191:

could be evidence that Fergus's sons assisted in his overthrow, or at least did little to arrest it.

1067: 512: 458: 450: 166:. He died the next year. The Lordship of Galloway appears to have been partitioned between his sons, 124: 1154: 558:

Upon Alexander's death in 1124, David succeeded to the throne. The latter's subsequent endowment of

10330: 9200: 6710: 6482: 6448: 6414: 6380: 6346: 6312: 6278: 6244: 6210: 6176: 6142: 6108: 1390: 1320: 833: 484: 410: 381: 167: 128: 127:. There is considerable evidence indicating that Fergus was married to an illegitimate daughter of 96: 7388: 654:, and appears to have been only incorporated into the lordship during the tenure of Fergus's sons. 9352: 7847: 6873: 6498: 5875: 1208: 1171:

dating clause of a royal charter that notes a formal agreement between Somairle and Malcolm that

735: 1030:. In 1154, the forces of Toirrdelbach and Muirchertach met in a major maritime conflict off the 8848: 8836: 7777: 7732: 5820: 1323:, who may have been Fergus's eldest son, bore the same name as Somairle's father, Gilla Brigte. 935:. Some of the pieces may have arrived in the Isles as a result of Guðrøðr's dealings in Norway. 750: 722: 668:

that he controlled the lordship at this point in time, or that he himself established the see.

615: 591: 54: 9427: 8588: 8582: 8209: 8205: 7612: 6516: 1538: 1337: 1003: 963: 673: 462: 8887:

The World of the Galloglass: Kings, Warlords and Warriors in Ireland and Scotland, 1200–1600

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The World of the Galloglass: Kings, Warlords and Warriors in Ireland and Scotland, 1200–1600

7608:

Cill- Names and Saints in Argyll: A Way Towards Understanding the Early Church in Dál Riata?

7052:. Rerum Britannicarum Medii Ævi Scriptores. Vol. 1. Longmans, Green, Reader, and Dyer. 1397:, which seems to be indicate that Fergus was regarded to be of a higher status to these men. 250: 10383: 10358: 8738: 8363:

Hunt, T (2005). "The Roman de Fergus: Parody or Pastiche?". In Purdie, R; Royan, N (eds.).

6971: 6116: 1134: 1061: 1023: 875:

It is a wild country where the inhabitants are like beasts, and altogether barbarous. ...

827: 790: 716: 639: 525: 398: 369: 346: 323: 147: 9838:. Glasgow: Centre for Scottish and Celtic Studies, University of Glasgow. pp. 1–119. 9428:"Meeting in Norway: Norse-Gaelic Relations in the Kingdom of Man and the Isles, 1090–1270" 8018:

Wales and the Medieval Colonial Imagination: The Matters of Britain in the Twelfth Century

547:

was a critical region of Henry I's realm, and the English king responded by transplanting

280: 8: 9566: 8346:

Viking Pirates and Christian Princes: Dynasty, Religion, and Empire in the North Atlantic

8197: 7288: 7016: 6949: 6923: 6905: 6843: 6797: 6746: 6727: 6704: 6596: 5814: 1358: 1121:, which reveals that the region was wracked by inter-dynastic strife during this period. 880: 763: 755: 715:

reveals that Fergus had granted this order of the lands of Galtway (within the mediaeval

712: 643: 599: 493: 390: 318: 261: 9991: 9737: 9694: 9651: 9608: 9523: 8906:

Manx Kingship in its Irish Sea Setting, 1187–1229: King Rǫgnvaldr and the Crovan Dynasty

7518: 7198:

Archibald, E (2009). "Questioning Arthurian Ideals". In Archibald, E; Putter, A (eds.).

6851: 10340: 10189: 10150: 10134: 10105: 9872:

Smith, B (2016) . "The Frontiers of Church Reform in the British Isles, 1170–1230". In

9395: 9369: 9261: 9090: 9074: 9033: 9017: 8781: 8682: 8666: 8523: 8507: 8466: 8413: 8310: 8302: 8286: 8185: 8177: 8161: 8074: 8058: 8021: 8004: 7988: 7830: 7814: 7803:

Duffy, S (1992). "Irishmen and Islesmen in the Kingdoms of Dublin and Man, 1052–1171".

7699: 7665: 7653: 7637: 7593: 7577: 7396:

The Arthur of the Germans: The Arthurian Legend in Medieval German and Dutch Literature

7240: 7101: 7081: 6945: 6829: 6815: 6786: 6554: 6033: 5971: 5951: 5931: 5911: 5891: 5865: 1271: 1011: 903: 855: 739: 700: 651: 611: 373: 350: 301: 171: 101: 10182:

LATCH: A Journal for the Study of the Literary Artifact in Theory, Culture, or History

10130: 9976: