Earl of Lennox

Earldom of Lennox


The Arms of the Realm and Ancient Local Principalities of Scotland[1]

The Mormaer of Lennox or Earl of Lennox was the ruler of the long-lasting provincial Mormaerdom/Earldom of Lennox in the Medieval Kingdom of the Scots. The first Mormaer is usually regarded as Ailin I (also Alpin, Alun or Alwin), but the genealogy of the Mormaers gives earlier names. The last Mormaer of the native line was Isabella, who married Muireadhach Stewart, the Duke of Albany, and died in 1458.

The recent work of Cynthia Neville and Michael Brown has made Lennox perhaps the best understood native scottish Mormaerdom.

After the extinction of the Lennox line, the Scottish Peerage title of Earl of Lennox was granted to John Stewart, Lord Darnley. It has been "created" six times, becoming extinct every time. The Earl of Lennox was elevated to Duke of Lennox in 1581.

Mormaers of Lennox/Gaelic Earls of Lennox

Map of Scotland showing the district of Lennox, note this map is based on later sources, and therefore does not show the greatest extent of the Mormaerdom

The title became extinct c. 1459, as all four sons of Isabella of Lennox died without legitimate issue.

Earls of Lennox, Second Creation (1488)

Loch Lomond, the heart of the Lennox Mormaerdom

The title merged with the crown in James VI of Scotland, grandson of the 4th Earl.

Earls of Lennox, Third Creation (c. 1571)

Earls of Lennox, Fourth Creation (1578)

Earls of Lennox, Fifth Creation (1580)

with subsidiary Lord Darnley, Aubigny and Dalkeith (1580)

Dukes of Lennox, First Creation (1581)

Family Tree

See also

References

  1. ↑ Bartholemew 1983. ISBN 0-7028-1709-0