Earl of Strathearn

For other uses of Strathearn, see Strathearn (disambiguation).

The Mormaer of Strathearn or Earl of Strathearn was a provincial ruler in medieval Scotland. Of unknown origin, the mormaers are attested for the first time is a document perhaps dating to 1115. The first known mormaer, Maol Íosa I is mentioned by Ailred of Rievaulx as leading native Scots in the company of King David I at the Battle of the Standard, 1138. The last native ruler was Maol Íosa V, also Earl of Orkney, who chose the wrong side in the Balliol-Bruce conflict which followed the death of King Robert I of Scotland.

Maol Íosa V was formally forfeited in 1344, and possession was given to Maurice de Moravia, a royal favourite who had a vague claim to the lordship. Strathearn has since been used as a peerage title for James Stewart, an illegitimate son of King James V of Scotland, who was created Lord Abernethy and Strathearn and Earl of Moray in 1562. In 1631, William Graham, 7th Earl of Menteith was confirmed in this dignity as heir of line of Euphemia Stewart, Countess of Strathearn (d.1415), but was forced to settle for less prestigious title of the Earl of Airth in 1633.

It has also been granted to members of the Royal Family in the titles of Duke of Cumberland and Strathearn (created 1766, extinct 1790), Duke of Kent and Strathearn (created 1799, extinct 1820) and Duke of Connaught and Strathearn (created 1874, extinct 1942).

[edit] Ancient Earls of Strathearn

Neville, Cynthia J., Native Lordship in Medieval Scotland: The Earldoms of Strathearn and Lennox, c. 1140-1365, (Portland & Dublin, 2005)

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