12th Century – Emergence of the High Stewards of Scotland
The descendants of Alan Fitz-Flaad of Dol are invited first to England then later to Scotland where they eventually become High Stewards of Scotland. The surname “Stewart” has not yet come into existence.
Balquhidder/Stewart History
National/Global History
1100 - Death of King William II Rufus of England
The death of William II leads to the accession of King Henry I who later invites the progenitors of the Stewarts to England. (Wikipedia)
1101 - Arrival of Alan Fitz-Flaad in England
Alan Fitz-Flaad and his father, Flaad of Dol, are in England in the court of King Henry I. (Stewarts of Balquhidder)
ca. 1106 - 1177 - Walter Fitz-Alan, future High Steward to the King of Scots
Walter Fitz-Alan becomes the first in the line of hereditary High Stewards in Scotland. (Stewarts of Balquhidder)
King Alexander I (d. 1124). Reign: 1107 – 1124.
King Alexander I is known for strengthening ties with England and making ecclesiastical reforms. (Wikipedia)
1107 - Treaty of Westminster
A treaty between England and Scotland that recognizes the boundaries and independence of the Kingdom of Scotland. (Wikipedia)
1115 – Mormaers of Strathearn
Strathearn at this time is governed by the Celtic Mormaers of Strathearn overseeing local chiefs. The first written record of a Mormaer in Strathearn is in 1115. Mormaers gradually begin adopting the title, Earl. Balquhidder is part of the territory of the Mormaers/Earls of Strathearn. (Wikipedia)
1119 - Establishment of the Knights Templar
The Knights Templar, a medieval military order, is founded in the Holy Land and has connections with Scotland. (Wikipedia)
KING DAVID I INTRODUCES NORMAL FEUDALISM
King David I (ca. 1084 – 24 May 1153). Reign: 1124 – 1153.
Following the deaths of his father, uncle, and four of his brothers, David accedes to the throne. His impact on Scotland lasts for centuries. Heavily influenced by his Anglo-Norman mother, St. Margaret of England, David introduces Norman feudalism to Scotland. He centralizes ruling authority and power in the crown, oversees the expansion of Scottish territory, and promotes cultural development. He invites Norman lords from England with offers of lands and earldoms.
Under the old Celtic tribal clan system, land was held free of overlordship by the chiefs on behalf of the people. Lands could never be sold, though they could be conquered. The new feudal system holds that all land is owned by the king who grants land to tenants by charter in return for military service. However, the transition from Celtic tribal land ownership to Norman feudal land ownership is gradual.
David introduces the concept of Royal Burghs for local government (i.e. The town of Dunedin becomes the Burgh of Edin or Edinburgh). David encourages the construction of Norman castles. (Wikipedia)
1126 - Alan Fitz-Walter (1126-1204), future 2nd Hereditary Steward to the King of Scots
Alan later becomes the second in the line of hereditary High Stewards in Scotland. (Stewarts of Balquhidder)
1136 - Walter Fitz-Alan Comes to Scotland
King David I offers lands around Paisley to Walter Fitz-Alan enticing him to move to Scotland. (Stewarts of Balquhidder)
1147 - The Second Crusade
The Second Crusade to the Holy Land begins. (Wikipedia)
1150 - First Steward to the King of Scots
About 1150, Walter Fitz-Alan becomes personal steward to King David I. (Stewarts of Balquhidder)
Abt. 1150 - Founding of Balquhidder Parish
King David I organizes the church into regional bishoprics and parishes on the Norman model, including establishing the Cathedral and See of Dunblane and within it, the parishes of Aberfoyle, Balquhidder, Callander, and Crieff are established. The first medieval Roman Catholic church is built at Balquhidder. (Gazetteer of Scotland)
King Malcolm IV (23 April 1141 – 9 December 1165). Reign: 1153 – 1165.
King Malcolm IV “The Maiden” accedes to the throne at 12 years of age after the death of his grandfather, King David I. He continues his grandfather’s efforts to bring Norman feudalism to all of Scotland. (Wikipedia)
1153 – Walter Fitz-Alan Becomes Steward to King Malcolm IV
Upon the death of King David I, Walter Fitz-Alan continues his role as personal steward to the king. (Stewarts of Balquhidder)
1153 - Treaty of Durham
A treaty between Scotland and England that confirms the northern boundary of the Kingdom of Scotland. (Wikipedia)
1154 - Famine strikes Scotland.
A famine strikes Scotland reducing the population. (Wikipedia)
1163 - Walter Fitz-Alan Builds Paisley Priory
Walter commences construction of the Paisley Priory (later Paisley Abbey), staffed by monks from his former home in Shropshire, England. (Wikipedia)
1164 – Walter Fitz-Alan Possibly Defeats Somerled of the Isles
Somairle (Somerled) mac Gilla Brigte, King of the Isles invades Scotland and is defeated near Renfrew. It is possible that the commander of the local Scottish forces was Walter Fitz-Alan himself. (Wikipedia)
King William I (ca. 1143 – 4 December 1214). Reign: 1165 – 1214.
King William the Lion accedes to the throne after the death of his brother, King Malcolm IV. He is captured by King Henry II of England and is forced to swear allegiance. He forms the first alliance with France, later known as the “auld alliance.” He continues the development of Norman feudalism begun by his grandfather, David I. (Wikipedia)
1165 – Walter Fitz-Alan Becomes Steward to King William I
Upon the death of King Malcolm IV, Walter Fitz-Alan continues his role as personal steward to the king. (Stewarts of Balquhidder)
1174 - Treaty of Falaise
Following his capture at the Battle of Alnwick, William the Lion, King of Scots, agrees to the Treaty of Falaise, recognizing Henry II of England as his feudal overlord. This treaty later gives cause for Edward I of England to invade Scotland and provokes the Scottish Wars of Independence. (Wikipedia)
1177 - Alan Fitz-Walter Becomes 2nd Hereditary Steward to the King
Alan becomes a patron of the Knights Templar (though not a member) and expands their presence in Scotland. He accompanies King Richard the Lionheart of England on the Third Crusade in 1191. (Stewarts of Balquhidder)
1180 - Walter Fitz-Alan Stewart (1180-1246), future 3rd Hereditary Steward to the King is born
Walter later becomes the first to use the surname, Stewart. (Stewarts of Balquhidder)
1187 - Third Crusade
The Third Crusade begins. (Wikipedia)
1189 - William the Lion's Release
Richard the Lionheart, King of England, secures the release of William the Lion, ending Scotland’s status as an English vassal. (Wikipedia)