 |
Aonghas MorRuler of the Kingdom of the Isles from 1250 to 1295.
Date of Birth: .
|
Content:
- Angus Mor, Lord of the Isles
- Balancing Act between Scotland and Norway
- Return to Pro-Scottish Policy
- Battle of Largs and the Treaty of Perth
- Vassal of King Alexander III
- Supporting the Bruces
- Refusal to Pay Homage to Balliol
- Legacy
Angus Mor, Lord of the Isles
Early Life and AccessionAngus Mor was the son of Donald, King of the Isles (1209-1250s). Upon his father's death, Angus Mor inherited lands in Kintyre and the islands of Islay and Jura. His reign began amidst a complex political landscape, as Scotland and Norway vied for control over the Hebrides.
Balancing Act between Scotland and Norway
Angus Mor skillfully navigated between these two powers to maintain the independence of the kingdom. While he primarily aligned himself with Scotland, he also pursued his own interests and the traditions of his people. Notably, he assisted the Gaelic uprising in Ireland against English forces in the 1250s.
Return to Pro-Scottish Policy
By the early 1260s, Angus Mor had shifted back to a pro-Scottish stance, emphasizing his subordination to the Scottish king. He named his eldest son Alexander after King Alexander III of Scotland. However, when the Norwegian King Haakon IV invaded the Hebrides in 1263, they devastated Kintyre and forced Angus into submission.
Battle of Largs and the Treaty of Perth
In 1263, Haakon IV was defeated by the Scots at the Battle of Largs and returned to Norway. The following year, a Scottish army invaded Kintyre, reasserting Angus Mor's allegiance to Scotland. The Treaty of Perth (1266) ceded the Hebrides to Scotland, with Angus Mor becoming a baron within the Scottish kingdom.
Vassal of King Alexander III
Angus Mor was frequently mentioned in Scottish records during the last third of the 13th century as a vassal of King Alexander III. He participated in royal councils and parliaments and was likely knighted by the king.
Supporting the Bruces
After the death of Alexander III and the outbreak of the struggle for the throne between the Bruces and Balliols, Angus Mor allied himself with the Bruces against his rivals on the Isles, the MacDougalls. He likely provided the Bruces with galleys and mercenaries for their campaigns in Ireland.
Refusal to Pay Homage to Balliol
In 1293, Angus Mor refused to pay homage to John Balliol when he became King of Scotland.
Legacy
Angus Mor had two sons, Alexander and Angus Og, who played significant roles in the Scottish Wars of Independence. His reign marked a period of balance and diplomacy, securing the independence of the kingdom while maintaining alliances with both Scotland and Norway.
