Lord of Galloway

Lord Galloway was the ruler of the Lordship of Galloway, a part of southwest Scotland, during the Middle Ages. Galloway was often ruled by its own local lord, who could be as powerful as a king in that region.[1]

Lordship of Galloway
Coronet of a British Baron.svg
Coat of arms of Galloway (Ancient)

The most well-known early lord was Fergus of Galloway (died 1161), who is sometimes seen as the first strong ruler of the area. After he died, his sons Uchtred and Gille Brigte (Gilbert) ruled together. Later, Lochlann (Roland) became the lord. By 1200, Alan of Galloway became the most powerful lord in Scotland, serving also as the Constable of Scotland.

Divisions within the Lordship of Galloway (green) and surrounding lordships in the 12th century.[2]

After Alan died in 1234, Galloway was divided between his daughters and their husbands. Over time, the title and independent rule of Galloway faded, and the region came under the direct control of the Scottish crown.

References

  1. The Arms of the Realm and Ancient Local Principalities of Scotland, Bartholomew 1983. ISBN 0-7028-1709-0
  2. Scott, JG (1997) pp. 13a fig. 1, 23 fig. 5; Oram, RD (1991) p. 118 fig. 8.1; Barrow (1980) p. 51.