13th Century Timeline of the Stewarts of Balquhidder

Walter becomes Steward to the King and Justiciar of Scotland. His title eventually expands to include the office of High Steward of Scotland. (Stewarts of Balquhidder)

The Fourth Crusade leads to the sack of Constantinople, influencing Scotland’s interactions with the Byzantine Empire and the wider Mediterranean world. (Wikipedia)

A treaty between England and Scotland that establishes the border between the two nations. (Wikipedia)

A treaty between England and Scotland that addresses territorial disputes and the succession to the English throne. (Wikipedia)

King Alexander II focuses on consolidating royal authority and territorial expansion. (Wikipedia)

During his tenure, he is promoted from personal Steward to the King of Scots to High Steward of Scotland. (Stewarts of Balquhidder)

The Fifth Crusade aims at recapturing Jerusalem and impacts Scotland’s participation in the Holy Land and relations with other Crusader states. (Wikipedia)

A treaty between England and Scotland that reaffirms the Treaty of Durham and recognizes Alexander II’s authority in the Western Isles. (Wikipedia)

The Great Charter is an early attempt to define and limit royal power in Scotland, similar to the English Magna Carta. (Wikipedia)

Princess Joan is sister of King Henry III of England. Alexander renounces his claim to Northumbria. (Wikipedia)

Scottish students begin attending the University of Paris, contributing to the spread of knowledge in Scotland. (Wikipedia)

The Mongol invasion of Eastern Europe by the sons and grandsons of Genghis Khan has further consequences for the broader geopolitical landscape with expanded international trade and technological advancements, which affected Scotland indirectly. (Wikipedia)

James later serves as one of the Guardians of Scotland during the Wars of Independence. (Stewarts of Balquhidder)

After years of rapid growth, Paisley Priory (founded by Walter Fitz-Alan in 1163) is raised to the status of Abbey. (Wikipedia)

On the death of his father, Walter, Alexander Stewart inherits the office of personal Steward to the King of Scots. Alexander Stewart serves as one of the Guardians of Scotland during the minority of King Alexander III. His conduct in the office Steward to the King is so reliable that King Alexander III promotes him to High Steward of Scotland. (Stewarts of Balquhidder)

Alexander Stewart, 4th High Steward of Scotland, accompanies Louis IX of France on the 7th Crusade. (Stewarts of Balquhidder)

King Alexander III achieves internal stability and secures Scotland’s western islands. (Wikipedia)

A treaty between England and Scotland that confirms Scotland’s northern boundary and recognizes King Alexander III as ruler of the Western Isles. (Wikipedia)

King Alexander III marries Margaret, the daughter of Henry III of England, forging ties between the two kingdoms. (Wikipedia)

Abbot Labhran is traditionally claimed as the eponymous founder of Clan Labhran/MacLaren, who are themselves traditionally claimed to be the senior clan in Balquhidder. The abbey at Achtow in Balquhidder is a Celtic abbey, not a Roman establishment, and Labhran is a Celtic abbot, indicating that Celtic Christianity, not Roman, is still dominant in Balquhidder at this time. He is described as a hereditary abbot. Thus, the abbey was likely at Auchtow for many generations by this point. It is likely that this reference marks the end of the Abbey of Achtow, rather than it’s beginning or height, as Roman Catholicism is starting to take hold in the Highlands and Celtic Christianity is dying out. (The existence of Abbot Labhran is disputed by modern MacLaren researchers.)

MacLaren territory in the Barony of Balquhidder expands to include all of the Braes of Balquhidder with the west governed at Bruach (Invernenty), the south at Stank, the north at Achtow and Auchleskine and the east at Ardveich. This is the likely time of the building of Ardveich Castle, perhaps with the stones from the former Abbey of Achtow. (Ref. The Bodach Stone) (This account of the early MacLarens is disputed by some modern MacLaren researchers.)

Alexander III marries Margaret, daughter of King Henry III of England and secures the western Highlands, Islands and the Isle of Man from Norway. (Wikipedia)

Famine strikes Scotland reducing population.

A conflict between Scottish and Norwegian forces who attempt to acquire the Isle of Man and all the Western Isles. ultimately leading to the Treaty of Perth. (Wikipedia)

Alexander Stewart, 4th High Steward of Scotland, commands the right wing of the Scottish forces at Largs, repelling a Norse invasion. (Stewarts of Balquhidder)

Norway cedes the Western Isles and the Isle of Man to Scotland, solidifying Scottish control over these territories. (Wikipedia)

First recorded Roman Catholic vicar of the church at Balquhidder is “Jacobus, parson of Buffudire.” (Reflecting the ancient Pictish pronunciation of Balquhidder)

Robert the Bruce, 7th Lord of Annandale, Earl of Carrick and future King of Scotland is born probably at Turnberry Castle in Ayrshire, Scotland, as the eldest son of Robert de Brus, 6th Lord of Annandale, and Marjorie, Countess of Carrick. Through his mother, he becomes Earl of Carrick. He would reign from 1306 – 1329 and would win Scotland’s independence after resisting King Edward I and defeating King Edward II of England. (Wikipedia)

James goes on to serve as one of the Guardians of Scotland during the Interregnum. He subsequently supports Robert the Bruce in the Scottish Wars of Independence. (Stewarts of Balquhidder)

Queen Margaret, known as the “Maid of Norway,” reigns in name alone as she is only two-years-old when she accedes to the throne and then dies at age seven while on route to Scotland from Norway. Her death leads to the Scottish succession crisis. (Wikipedia)

The Guardians ruled during the interregnum of the Scottish succession crisis following Margaret’s death. (Wikipedia)

James Stewart, 5th High Steward of Scotland, marries Egidia de Burgh, and thus becomes uncle by marriage to Elizabeth de Burgh, future wife of Robert The Bruce and future Queen of Scots. (Stewarts of Balquhidder)

Edward I of England’s conquers Wales which has significant implications for Scotland, as he seeks to exert control over both regions. (Wikipedia)

Edward I of England is asked to arbitrate the Scottish succession dispute and declares John Balliol as King of Scotland. (Wikipedia)

Known as “Toom Tabard” (“Empty Coat”), King John is viewed by many as a puppet king hand-picked by Edward of England. John allows Edward to treat him like a vassal and run roughshod over Scotland. John is so unpopular that his own nobles depose him and replace him with a ruling council. (Wikipedia)

Walter later supports Robert The Bruce and fights at Bannockburn. He is later rewarded with a marriage to Princess Majorie, daughter of King Robert The Bruce. (Stewarts of Balquhidder)

Edward I of England defeats Scottish forces in the First War of Scottish Independence. (Wikipedia)

A series of conflicts and battles between Scotland and England that ultimately leads to Scotland maintaining its independence. (Wikipedia)

The Guardians attempt to govern the Scottish people during Edward I’s occupation. James Stewart, 5^th High Steward of Scotland, serves as one of the Guardians. (Wikipedia)

William Wallace leads an army to defeat the English at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. (Wikipedia)

King Edward I of England defeats William Wallace’s forces, temporarily halting the Scottish rebellion. Wallace resigns as Guardian of Scotland. (Wikipedia)