Uhtred of Galloway facts for kids

Uhtred mac Fergus (c. 1120 – 22 September 1174) was Lord of Galloway from 1161 to 1174, ruling jointly with his brother Gille Brigte (Gilbert). They were sons of Fergus of Galloway; it was believed that they were half brothers, but Duncan of Carrick was addressed as cousin by the English King, as was Uchtred. (The term "cousin" in address does not necessarily connote a family tie; it was used between even minor "kings" to suggest that sender and receiver were of mutually considerable rank). Their mother's name is not known for sure, but she must have been one of the many illegitimate daughters of Henry I of England, most likely Elizabeth Fitzroy.

Career

As a boy he was sent as a hostage to the court of King Malcolm IV of Scotland. When his father, Prince Fergus, died in 1161, Uchtred was made co-ruler of Galloway along with Gilla Brigte. They participated in the disastrous invasion of Northumberland under William I of Scotland in 1174. King William was captured, and the Galwegians rebelled, taking the opportunity to slaughter the Normans and English in their land. During this time Uchtred was blinded and killed by his brother Gille Brigte and Gille Brigte's son, Máel Coluim. Gille Brigte then seized control of the whole of Galloway.

Marriage and children

Uchtred had married Gunhilda of Dunbar, daughter of Waltheof of Allerdale and they were the parents of:

• Lochlann of Galloway (also known as Roland),
• Eve of Galloway, wife of Walter de Berkeley
• Christina, wife of William de Brus, 3rd Lord of Annandale.
• Fergus, died after 1213, knight, identified as 'brother of Roland' in 1196 charter
• ___, son name unknown, died 30 September 1185, in conflict with Gillecolm

Sources

• Taylor, James. The Pictorial History of Scotland, 1859
• John of Fordun (chronicler)
• Roger of Hoveden (chronicler)