The Mormaer or Earl of Angus was the ruler of the medieval Scottish

province A province is almost always an administrative division within a country or state. The term derives from the ancient Roman '' provincia'', which was the major territorial and administrative unit of the Roman Empire's territorial possessions ou ...

of Angus. The title, in the Peerage of Scotland, is held by the Duke of Hamilton, and is used as a courtesy title for the eldest son of the Duke's eldest son.

History

Arms of John Stewart, 1st Earl of Angus (d

Mormaers

Angus is one of the oldest attested mormaerdoms, with the earliest attested mormaer,

Dubacan of Angus Dubacan of Angus (Medieval Gaelic: Dubacan mac Indrechtaich) was Mormaer of Angus and the first mormaer of any of the provinces of the Kingdom of Alba to be named individually. He is mentioned as ''Dubucan filius Indrechtaig mormair Oengusa'' (i.e. ...

, known to have lived in the early 10th century, as recorded in the ''

Chronicle of the Kings of Alba The ''Chronicle of the Kings of Alba'', or ''Scottish Chronicle'', is a short written chronicle of the Kings of Alba, covering the period from the time of Kenneth MacAlpin (Cináed mac Ailpín) (d. 858) until the reign of Kenneth II (Cináed mac ...

''. Angus was, according to the doubtful and legendary text ''

de Situ Albanie ''De Situ Albanie'' (or ''dSA'' for short) is the name given to the first of seven Scottish documents found in the so-called Poppleton Manuscript, now in the Bibliothèque nationale de France, Paris. It was probably written sometime between 1202 ...

'', one of the seven original mormaerdoms of the

Pict The Picts were a group of peoples who lived in what is now northern and eastern Scotland (north of the Firth of Forth) during Late Antiquity and the Early Middle Ages. Where they lived and what their culture was like can be inferred from ear ...

ish

kingdom of Alba The Kingdom of Alba ( la, Scotia; sga, Alba) was the Kingdom of Scotland between the deaths of Donald II in 900 and of Alexander III in 1286. The latter's death led indirectly to an invasion of Scotland by Edward I of England in 1296 and the ...

, said to have been occupied by seven brothers, of whom Angus (Oengus) was the eldest. Despite this, the mormaers of Angus are among the most obscure of all. After the death of Mormaer Maol Chaluim, in probably about 1240, the mormaerdom passed through the marriage of his daughter Matilda, to the line of the

Norman Norman or Normans may refer to: Ethnic and cultural identity * The Normans, a people partly descended from Norse Vikings who settled in the territory of Normandy in France in the 10th and 11th centuries ** People or things connected with the Norm ...

Gilbert de Umfraville Gilbert de Umfraville (died 1245) was a 13th-century English baron. Gilbert was the eldest son of Richard de Umfraville, Lord of Redesdale. He succeeded his father as Lord of Redesdale and Baron Prudhoe from November 1226 at his seat of Prudhoe ...

Ogilvy Earls

The lands of Clan Ogilvy, in Angus, was ruled by a

mormaer In early medieval Scotland, a mormaer was the Gaelic name for a regional or provincial ruler, theoretically second only to the King of Scots, and the senior of a ''Toísech'' (chieftain). Mormaers were equivalent to English earls or Continental c ...

; one of the ancient Celtic nobles of Scotland who became the first earls. Way, George and Squire, Romily. (1994). Collins Scottish Clan & Family Encyclopedia. (Foreword by The Rt Hon. The Earl of Elgin KT, Convenor, The Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs). pp. 294–295. The title of Moramer of Angus became Earl of Angus. Gillebride, Earl of Angus, received a Barony from King William the Lion in 1163, and bestowed upon his son, Gilbert, the lands of Wester Powrie, Ogilvy, and Kyneithin. The top left quadrant displays the Ogilvy crest; argent, a lion passant, guardant, Gules, crowned with an imperial crown and collared with an open one, Proper.

Umfraville Earls

inherited the Earldom while in his minority after his father's death in 1245. Gilbert fought on the English side during the

first war of Scottish independence The First War of Scottish Independence was the first of a series of wars between English and Scottish forces. It lasted from the English invasion of Scotland in 1296 until the ''de jure'' restoration of Scottish independence with the Treaty ...

until his death in 1308. His heir, second son

Robert The name Robert is an ancient Germanic given name, from Proto-Germanic "fame" and "bright" (''Hrōþiberhtaz''). Compare Old Dutch ''Robrecht'' and Old High German ''Hrodebert'' (a compound of '' Hruod'' ( non, Hróðr) "fame, glory, honou ...

, also fought on the side of the English and surrendered to King

Robert de Brus Robert I (11 July 1274 – 7 June 1329), popularly known as Robert the Bruce (Scottish Gaelic: ''Raibeart an Bruis''), was King of Scots from 1306 to his death in 1329. One of the most renowned warriors of his generation, Robert eventuall ...

during the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. He was released by Robert and treated with the Scots for peace with England. He was ultimately disinherited of his titles. Robert's heir Gilbert continued attempting to recover the Earldom and supported

Edward Balliol Edward Balliol (; 1283 – January 1364) was a claimant to the Scottish throne during the Second War of Scottish Independence. With English help, he ruled parts of the kingdom from 1332 to 1356. Early life Edward was the eldest son of John ...

and other disinherited barons and lords in Scotland.

Stewart Earls

John Stewart of Bonkyll Sir John Stewart (died 22 July 1298), the brother of Sir James the 5th High Steward of Scotland, was a Scottish knight and military commander during the First Scottish War of Independence. Origins Sir John was the second son of Alexander Stewa ...

, Berwickshire, obtained the title Earl of Angus in 1329 in a new line after the forfeiture of the de Umfraville line, though the latter family continued to use the title in England until 1381. This Stewart line ended with Margaret Stewart, countess of Angus in her own right, and widow of

Thomas, Earl of Mar Thomas, Earl of Mar, (c. 1330-1377) was a 14th-century Earl of Mar, an earldom located in the County of Aberdeen, Scotland. He is sometimes styled Mormaer of Mar since ''mormaer'' was the Scottish Gaelic equivalent of the English word earl. Becaus ...

Douglas earls

An illicit affair between Margaret Stewart, Countess of Mar and Angus, and her brother in law,

William Douglas, 1st Earl of Douglas William Douglas, 1st Earl of Douglas (c. 1323 – 1 May 1384) was a Scottish nobleman, peer, magnate, and head of the Black Douglas family. Under his leadership, the Black Douglases continued their climb to pre-eminence in Scottish politics ...

(married to the sister of her husband), produced

George Douglas, 1st Earl of Angus George Douglas, 1st Earl of Angus (1380–1403) was a Scottish nobleman and peer. Life He was born at Tantallon Castle, East Lothian, Scotland. He was the natural-illegitimate son of William Douglas, 1st Earl of Douglas and Margaret St ...

(c. 1380–1403). The Countess secured a charter of her estates for her son, to whom in 1389 the title was granted by King Robert II. He was taken prisoner at Homildon Hill in 1402, and died in captivity in England. Archibald "Bell-the-Cat" (1453–1514) the powerful adversary of James III, was his great-grandson. William Douglas (1589–1660) 11th Earl of Angus, was created Marquis of Douglas in 1633. He resigned the title of Earl of Angus, having it recreated with the marquessate, so he was the 1st Earl of Angus in the new creation. He outlived his son Archibald Douglas, Earl of Angus (c. 1609–1655), and was succeeded by Archibald's son James Douglas, 2nd Marquess of Douglas (1646–1699). James' son and heir Archibald Douglas was created Duke of Douglas, Marquess of Angus and Abernethy, Viscount of Jedburgh Forest, and Lord Douglas of Bonkill, Prestoun and Robertoun on 10 April 1703. He died without leaving an heir and the titles acquired with the dukedom became extinct. All his other titles devolved to his distant cousin the 7th Duke of Hamilton, whose descendants hold them still.

Mormaers/early Earls of Angus

*? * Indrechtach?, early 10th century * Dubacan, d. 937 * ? * Cuncar, mid-10th century * ? * Gille Brigte, * Adam, * Gille Críst, ?–1206 *

Donnchadh Donnchadh () is a masculine given name common to the Irish and Scottish Gaelic languages. It is composed of the elements ''donn'', meaning "brown" or "dark" from Donn a Gaelic God; and ''chadh'', meaning "chief" or "noble". The name is also written ...

, 1206–1214 * Maol Choluim, 1214–1240 * Matilda (or Maud) **m1. John Comyn, ''jure uxoris'' Earl of Angus (d. 1242, without issue) **m2. Gilbert de Umfraville, ''jure uxoris'' Earl of Angus *

Gilbert de Umfraville, Earl of Angus Gilbert de Umfraville, Earl of Angus (before 1246 – 1308) was the first of the Anglo-French de Umfraville line to rule the Earldom of Angus in his own right. His father was Gilbert de Umfraville (died shortly before 13 March 1245), a Norman, ...

(Earl: 1246–1307) *

Robert de Umfraville, Earl of Angus Robert de Umfraville, 8th Earl of Angus, of Prudhoe, Chollerton, Harbottle, and Whelpington, Northumberland ( 1277 – 1325) was an Anglo-Norman baron in Northumberland and the eighth Earl of Angus. Life Robert was the second son of Gilbert de ...

(Earl: 1307– (forfeit); d. 1325) ** Gilbert de Umfraville (d. 1381)

Earls of Angus, Stewart line (1329)

John Stewart, 1st Earl of Angus John Stewart, 1st Earl of Angus, Lord of Bonkyl, ''jure uxoris'' Lord of Abernethy (died 9 December 1331) was a medieval Scottish nobleman. Stewart was the son of Sir Alexander Stewart of Bonkyll, great-grandson of Alexander Stewart, 4th High S ...

(d. 1331) *

Thomas Stewart, 2nd Earl of Angus Thomas Stewart, 2nd Earl of Angus (b.b.1331-1361) was a medieval Scottish nobleman. He was the son of John Stewart of Bonkyll and Margaret de Abernethy. Stewart was an infant when his father died and inherited his estates and titles in Berwicks ...

(d. 1361) *

Margaret Stewart, Countess of Angus and Mar Margaret Stewart, Countess of Angus and Mar (died 1417) was Countess of Angus and Lady of Abernethy in her own right. Her father was Thomas Stewart, 2nd Earl of Angus. She was married to Thomas, Earl of Mar with whom she had no children. After ...

(d. 1417) (resigned earldom in favour of her son George Douglas in 1389) **

''suo jure uxoris'' Earl of Angus (d. 1374)

Earls of Angus, Douglas line (1389)

(1378–1402) *

William Douglas, 2nd Earl of Angus William Douglas, 2nd Earl of Angus (24 February 1398 – October 1437) was a Scottish nobleman and soldier. The son of George Douglas, 1st Earl of Angus and Princess Mary of Scotland, he was a grandson of King Robert III. The story of Angus' ...

(c. 1398–1437) * James Douglas, 3rd Earl of Angus (b. 1428–1446) *

George Douglas, 4th Earl of Angus George Douglas, 4th Earl of Angus, Lord Douglas, Abernethy and Jedburgh Forest (c. 1427 – 12 March 1463)Alan R. Borthwick, 'Douglas, George, fourth earl of Angus (c.1417–1463)’, ''Oxford Dictionary of National Biography'', Oxford University ...

(b. 1429–1462) *

Archibald Douglas, 5th Earl of Angus Archibald Douglas, 5th Earl of Angus (c. 1449October 1513), was a Scottish nobleman, peer, politician, and magnate. Tradition has accorded him the nickname Archibald 'Bell-the-Cat' due to his association with the 1482 rebellion against Jam ...

(1453–1514) ** George Douglas, Master of Angus (1469–1513) *

Archibald Douglas, 6th Earl of Angus Archibald Douglas, 6th Earl of Angus (c. 148922 January 1557) was a Scottish nobleman active during the reigns of James V and Mary, Queen of Scots. He was the son of George, Master of Angus, who was killed at the Battle of Flodden, and suc ...

(1490–1557) *

David Douglas, 7th Earl of Angus David (; , "beloved one") (traditional spelling), , ''Dāwūd''; grc-koi, Δαυΐδ, Dauíd; la, Davidus, David; gez , ዳዊት, ''Dawit''; xcl, Դաւիթ, ''Dawitʿ''; cu, Давíдъ, ''Davidŭ''; possibly meaning "beloved one". w ...

(c. 1515–1558) * Archibald Douglas, 8th Earl of Angus (1556–1588) *

William Douglas, 9th Earl of Angus William Douglas, 9th Earl of Angus (1533 – 1 July 1591, at Glenbervie) was a Scottish nobleman and zealous supporter of Mary, Queen of Scots. Biography Douglas was the eldest son of Sir Archibald Douglas of Glenbervie, Knt., by his spouse Agnes ...

(1533–1591) *

William Douglas, 10th Earl of Angus William Douglas, 10th Earl of Angus (15543 March 1611) was a Scottish nobleman. He was the son of William Douglas, 9th Earl of Angus (1533–1591). He was a direct descendant of King James I through his paternal grandmother, Agnes Keith, a d ...

(1552–1611) * William Douglas, 11th Earl of Angus (1590–1660), (created Marquess of Douglas in 1633, when he resigned the earldom, which was regranted with the marquessate)

Marquesses of Douglas (1633)

(After 1633 the Earldom of Angus became a courtesy title used by the eldest son of the Marquess of Douglas) *

William Douglas, 1st Marquess of Douglas William Douglas, 1st Marquess of Douglas and 11th Earl of Angus (1589–1660) was a Scottish nobleman. Life Master of Angus William Douglas was the eldest son of William Douglas, 10th Earl of Angus and his Countess, Elizabeth Oliphant, elde ...

(1590–1660) *

James Douglas, 2nd Marquess of Douglas James Douglas, 2nd Marquess of Douglas (c.1646 – 25 February 1700)David Menarry, 'Douglas, James, second Marquess of Douglas (c.1646–1700)’, ''Oxford Dictionary of National Biography'', Oxford University Press, 2004. was the son of Archibald ...

(1646–1700) * Archibald Douglas, 3rd Marquess of Douglas (1694–1761) (created Duke of Douglas in 1703)

Duke of Douglas (1703)

* Archibald Douglas, 1st Duke of Douglas (1694–1761) (created Duke of Douglas in 1703) (the dukedom became extinct on his death, while the Earldom of Angus, Marquessate of Douglas and other subsidiary titles were inherited by

James Hamilton, 7th Duke of Hamilton James George Hamilton, 7th Duke of Hamilton and 4th Duke of Brandon (18 February 1755 – 7 July 1769) was a short-lived Scottish peer. Hamilton was born at Holyrood Palace, the son of the 6th Duke of Hamilton and his wife, Elizabeth. Styled a ...

) ''For later Earls of Angus and Marquesses of Douglas, see the Duke of Hamilton''

Notes

Bibliography

* * Roberts, John L., ''Lost Kingdoms: Celtic Scotland in the Middle Ages'', (Edinburgh, 1997), pp. 53–4

External links

Chronicle of the Kings of Alba
{{DEFAULTSORT:Earl Of Angus People associated with Angus, Scotland Angus Angus Angus Angus Angus Angus Feudalism in Scotland