Alexander Comyn, Earl of Buchan

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. He was the son of William Comyn, jure uxoris Earl of Buchan, and 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 Scots 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 (1258–89), Constable of Scotland (1275–89),[1] Sheriff of Wigtown (1263–66), Sheriff of Dingwall (1264–66), Ballie of Inverie (in Knoydart) and finally, Guardian of Scotland (1286–89) 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.

Alexander Comyn, 2nd Earl Buchan
Coat of arms as Earl of Buchan.
Guardian of Scotland
In office
1286–1289
Preceded byDuncan Macduff
Succeeded byJames Stewart
Justiciar of Scotia
In office
1258–1289
Preceded byAlan Durward
Succeeded byAndreas de Moravia
Constable of Scotland
In office
1275–1289
Preceded byMarjory Countess of Buchan
Succeeded byJohn Comyn
Personal details
BornUnknown (circa 1218)
Buchan, Aberdeenshire
DiedUnknown (late 1289)
Northern Scotland
Spouse(s)Elizabeth de Quincy
ChildrenRoger, Marjorie, Elisabetha, William, Emma, John, Elena
ParentsWilliam Comyn, Lord of Badenoch
Marjory, Countess of Buchan
OccupationSheriff, baillie
Also served as Sheriff of Wigtown and Dingwall and Baillie of Inverie. Dates of rule unknown.

Alexander had at least nine children with his wife, Elizabeth, daughter of Roger de Quincy, 2nd Earl of Winchester:

References

Notes

  1. Foedera p228
  2. Foedera, p228

Sources

  • Rymer, Thomas,Foedera Conventiones, Literae et cuiuscunque generis Acta Publica inter Reges Angliae. London. 1745. (Latin)
  • Young, Alan, Robert the Bruce's Rivals: The Comyns, 1213-1314, (East Linton, 1997)
  • Young, Alan & Cumming, George, The Real Patriots of Early Scottish Independence, Birlinn, (Edinburgh, 2014)
Peerage of Scotland
Preceded by
Marjory
m. William Comyn
Earl of Buchan
1244–1289
Succeeded by
John Comyn
Legal offices
Preceded by
Alan Durward
Justiciar of Scotia
1258–1289
Succeeded by
Andreas de Moravia
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