The Earls of Strathearn from the twelfth to the mid fourteenth century, with an edition of their written acts
This thesis is a detailed study of the political and social history of the native earls of Strathearn from the late 1120s to the middle of the fourteenth century. It examines the impact and penetration of Norman ideas of feudalism in a region which was strongly Celtic in character, and in which native customs and practices were preserved for a remarkably long period. In the decades which followed the accession of King David I, the lands of Strathearn retained a large degree of independence from royal control. Few 'new' men were introduced to the region by the king. The earls do not appear to have held their earldom as a regular knight's fee, and comital authority over these lands was not challenged. A study of the lives and careers of the eight men who are known to have held the title of earl between c.1128 and c.1350 reveals two distinct periods in Strathearn history. The first includes the rules of the four earliest known earls, Malise I, Ferteth, Gilbert and Robert, from c.1128 to 1244. The key words for understanding this period are 'traditionalism' and 'conservatism'. These men involved themselves only remotely with the king's court and the governance of Scotland; they were more concerned with the administration
Neville, Cynthia J.
Nobility ; Scotland
The Earls of Strathearn from the twelfth to the mid fourteenth century, with an edition of their written acts. This thesis is a detailed study of the political and social history of the native earls of Strathearn from the late 1120s to the middle of the fourteenth century. It examines the impact and penetration of Norman ideas of feudalism in a region which was strongly Celtic in character, and in which native customs and practices were preserved for a remarkably long period. In the decades which followed the accession of King David I, the lands of Strathearn retained a large degree of independence from royal control. Few 'new' men were introduced to the region by the king. The earls do not appear to have held their earldom as a regular knight's fee, and comital authority over these lands was not challenged. A study of the lives and careers of the eight men who are known to have held the title of earl between c.1128 and c.1350 reveals two distinct periods in Strathearn history. The first includes the rules of the four earliest known earls, Malise I, Ferteth, Gilbert and Robert, from c.1128 to 1244. The key words for understanding this period are 'traditionalism' and 'conservatism'. These men involved themselves only remotely with the king's court and the governance of Scotland; they were more concerned with the administration
earls twelfth edition write act detailed_study political_social history native earl examine_impact penetration norman idea region strongly celtic character native custom practice preserve remarkably long_period decade_follow accession king land retain large degree independence royal control new men introduce region king earls appear hold earldom regular knight fee authority land challenge study live career men know hold title earl reveals two_distinct period history first include rule early know earl key_word period conservatism men involve king court governance scotland concern administration