William Dubh MacLeod
Encyclopedia
William Dubh MacLeod (c.
1415–1480) is considered to be the seventh chief of Clan MacLeod. He is thought to have been a younger son, yet because of the death of his elder brother, William Dubh succeeded his father, Iain Borb
, in the year 1442. William Dubh was an old man when he was killed, leading his clan, at the Battle of Bloody Bay
in 1480. He was the last MacLeod chief to be buried on the island of Iona
. He was succeeded by his son, Alasdair Crotach
.
. The Bannatyne manuscript
records that Iain Borb married a granddaughter of the Earl of Douglas
—several 20th century clan historians gave her name as Margaret. The couple had two sons, named William and Norman (Tormod), as well as two daughters. The manuscript maintains that Norman was the elder of the brothers, but that he died young and left a son who was too young to succeed to the chiefship. In fact, William was the son that succeeded Iain Borb as chief; MacLeods states that this happened in the year 1442. In MacLeod's opinion, the fact that the clan accepted William Dubh as chief, and not guardian, was evidence that William was in fact the elder brother. Later in the 20th century, A. Morrison stated that Norman was probably an illegitimate son of Iain Borb and that he was considerably older than William, since Norman led the clan in battle in 1428. According to 20th century clan historians Morrison and D. Mackinnon, William Dubh was known as "Long Sword".
, are recorded as witnesses to a charter
granted by John MacDonald, Earl of Ross, Lord of the Isles
, to his brother Hugh MacDonald of Sleat
, dated on 28 June 1449. According to MacVurich, the Sleat shenachie, William Dubh ('William MacLeod of Harris') accompanied Hugh and other "young gentlemen of the Isles
" on a raiding expedition to Orkney. The tradition runs that the Western Islesmen were victorious in their conflict with the Northern Islesmen and that the Earl of Orkney
was also slain. Hugh is then said to have ravaged Orkney, and carried off much loot. According to early 20th century clan historians A. Macdonald and A. Macdonald, this expedition took place around the year 1460.
In the late 15th century, Angus Og MacDonald
, bastard son of John MacDonald, Earl of Ross, Lord of the Isles, attempted to depose his father. Angus was supported by all the branches of Clan Donald
, as well as the MacLeods of Lewis
. However, other island clans, such as the MacLeods of Harris and Dunvegan, the MacLeans
and the MacNeils
, supported John. The Bannatyne manuscript states that the opposing clans fought skirmishes throughout the Hebrides
. One such skirmish was took place on Skye between the MacDonalds and MacLeods when a large force of MacDonalds, led by "Evan MacKail", son of the chief of Clanranald, landed at Aird Bay with the intention of laying waste to MacLeod territory. At this time William Dubh was away and his only son, Alasdair, rallied the clan's forces and marched them towards the MacDonalds, who were encamped near their galleys
. The opposing forces clashed with each other and Alasdair was wounded in the back by Evan MacKail, who swung with a battle axe
. As Alasdair fell to the ground he grabbed Evan MacKail and killed him with a dirk
and cut off the dead man's head as a trophy. The battle ended with the defeat of the MacDonalds, who lost most of their men, and ten galleys. The manuscript dates from about the 1830s and states that there were heaps of bones and skulls which could still be seen where the battle of was said to have taken place.
These skirmishes led to the final encounter at the Battle of Bloody Bay
in 1480. In this conflict, The Bannatyne manuscript states that William Dubh was killed early on, and at the fall of their chief, the MacLeods began to give way. However, a priest named Callum Clerich made the keeper of the Fairy Flag
unfurl his banner. The manuscript states that when the MacLeod's kinsmen, the MacLeods of Lewis, switched sides upon seeing the sacred flag unfurled and joined the forces supporting John. However, the fate of the battle was already decided and the forces of Angus won the day. A large number of the clan was killed during the conflict, including the bearer of the flag, Murcha Beach, as well as the twelve men who were tasked with the flag's protection. William Dubh's body was taken to the island of Iona
to be buried with those of his predecessors. The body of Murcha Breac was placed in the same tomb his—the Bannatyne manuscript states that this was the highest honour which could be disposed upon his remains. William Dubh was the last MacLeod chief to be buried on Iona.
, for the most part, dates from the early 16th century. Within the centre of the choir there is a large stone which once contained a monumental brass
, traditionally said to have been a MacLeod. The stone formed a matrix
which at one time contained the brass
inlay (tradition states it was a silver
inlay). It is the largest carved stone on the island, measuring 7 foot by 3 in 10 in (1.17 m). R.C. MacLeod speculated that perhaps the clan's founder, Leod
, and five of his successors were buried beneath—however, in his opinion the fourth chief, Iain Ciar
, was buried elsewhere.
. The late 19th century clan historian A.M. Sinclair, stated that she was the daughter of Murdoch Maclaine, 2nd chief of Clan Maclaine of Lochbuie. Following the death of his first wife, William Dubh then married Anne, daughter of Ranald Ban MacDonald of Moydart and Clanranald. After William Dubh's death, Anne married her cousin, Hector Roy Mackenzie
, 1st of Gairloch
.
William Dubh had one son, Alasdair Crotach
, who succeeded him on his death. Morrison and MacKinnon stated that his son was a product of his first marriage and that William Dubh also had two daughters—one from each of his two wives. The 19th century historian A. Mackenzie
only gave one daughter to William Dubh and stated she married Lachlan MacLean of Duart.
Circa
Circa , usually abbreviated c. or ca. , means "approximately" in the English language, usually referring to a date...
1415–1480) is considered to be the seventh chief of Clan MacLeod. He is thought to have been a younger son, yet because of the death of his elder brother, William Dubh succeeded his father, Iain Borb
Iain Borb MacLeod
Iain Borb MacLeod is considered to be the sixth chief of Clan MacLeod. He is the first MacLeod chief to which heraldry can be assigned...
, in the year 1442. William Dubh was an old man when he was killed, leading his clan, at the Battle of Bloody Bay
Battle of Bloody Bay
The Battle of Bloody Bay, or Blàr Bàgh na Fala in Scottish Gaelic, was a naval battle fought near Tobermory, Scotland. It was fought on the coast of Mull two miles north of Tobermory, between John of Islay, Earl of Ross, the Lord of the Isles and chief of Clan Donald; and his son, Angus Og Macdonald...
in 1480. He was the last MacLeod chief to be buried on the island of Iona
Iona
Iona is a small island in the Inner Hebrides off the western coast of Scotland. It was a centre of Irish monasticism for four centuries and is today renowned for its tranquility and natural beauty. It is a popular tourist destination and a place for retreats...
. He was succeeded by his son, Alasdair Crotach
Alasdair Crotach MacLeod
Alasdair Crotach MacLeod is considered to be the eighth chief of Scottish Clan MacLeod. He was the son of the seventh chief William Dubh and succeeded his father in 1480, following William Dubh's death at the Battle of Bloody Bay. He was the first MacLeod chief not to be buried on the island of...
.
Succession
According to early 20th century clan historian R.C. MacLeod, William Dubh was born in about the year 1415. He was the son of the MacLeod chief Iain BorbIain Borb MacLeod
Iain Borb MacLeod is considered to be the sixth chief of Clan MacLeod. He is the first MacLeod chief to which heraldry can be assigned...
. The Bannatyne manuscript
Bannatyne manuscript (Clan MacLeod)
The Bannatyne manuscript is a traditional account of Clan MacLeod, consisting of 142 sheets of foolscap paper. The author's name does not appear upon it, however, it is considered to have been written by William Bannatyne, Lord Bannatyne—from who it takes its name. Lord Bannatyne was the son...
records that Iain Borb married a granddaughter of the Earl of Douglas
Earl of Douglas
This page is concerned with the holders of the extinct title Earl of Douglas and the preceding feudal barons of Douglas, South Lanarkshire. The title was created in the Peerage of Scotland in 1358 for William Douglas, 1st Earl of Douglas, son of Sir Archibald Douglas, Guardian of Scotland...
—several 20th century clan historians gave her name as Margaret. The couple had two sons, named William and Norman (Tormod), as well as two daughters. The manuscript maintains that Norman was the elder of the brothers, but that he died young and left a son who was too young to succeed to the chiefship. In fact, William was the son that succeeded Iain Borb as chief; MacLeods states that this happened in the year 1442. In MacLeod's opinion, the fact that the clan accepted William Dubh as chief, and not guardian, was evidence that William was in fact the elder brother. Later in the 20th century, A. Morrison stated that Norman was probably an illegitimate son of Iain Borb and that he was considerably older than William, since Norman led the clan in battle in 1428. According to 20th century clan historians Morrison and D. Mackinnon, William Dubh was known as "Long Sword".
Clan conflicts
William Dubh and his kinsman, Roderick MacLeod of LewisLewis
Lewis is the northern part of Lewis and Harris, the largest island of the Western Isles or Outer Hebrides of Scotland. The total area of Lewis is ....
, are recorded as witnesses to a charter
Charter
A charter is the grant of authority or rights, stating that the granter formally recognizes the prerogative of the recipient to exercise the rights specified...
granted by John MacDonald, Earl of Ross, Lord of the Isles
John of Islay, Earl of Ross
John of Islay was a late medieval Scottish magnate. He was Earl of Ross and last Lord of the Isles as well as being Mac Domhnaill, chief of Clan Donald....
, to his brother Hugh MacDonald of Sleat
Hugh of Sleat
Hugh of Sleat was an illegitimate son of Alexander MacDonald, 10th Earl of Ross and Lord of the Isles. Hugh was known as Ùisdean in Gaelic. Hugh was a member of the Highland and Island Clan Donald...
, dated on 28 June 1449. According to MacVurich, the Sleat shenachie, William Dubh ('William MacLeod of Harris') accompanied Hugh and other "young gentlemen of the Isles
Hebrides
The Hebrides comprise a widespread and diverse archipelago off the west coast of Scotland. There are two main groups: the Inner and Outer Hebrides. These islands have a long history of occupation dating back to the Mesolithic and the culture of the residents has been affected by the successive...
" on a raiding expedition to Orkney. The tradition runs that the Western Islesmen were victorious in their conflict with the Northern Islesmen and that the Earl of Orkney
Earl of Orkney
The Earl of Orkney was originally a Norse jarl ruling Orkney, Shetland and parts of Caithness and Sutherland. The Earls were periodically subject to the kings of Norway for the Northern Isles, and later also to the kings of Alba for those parts of their territory in mainland Scotland . The Earl's...
was also slain. Hugh is then said to have ravaged Orkney, and carried off much loot. According to early 20th century clan historians A. Macdonald and A. Macdonald, this expedition took place around the year 1460.
In the late 15th century, Angus Og MacDonald
Aonghas Óg
Aonghas Óg was a Scottish nobleman who was the last independent Lord of the Isles.-Biography:He was the bastard son of John of Islay, Earl of Ross . Aonghas became a rebel against both his father and against the Scottish crown...
, bastard son of John MacDonald, Earl of Ross, Lord of the Isles, attempted to depose his father. Angus was supported by all the branches of Clan Donald
Clan Donald
Clan Donald is one of the largest Scottish clans. There are numerous branches to the clan. Several of these have chiefs recognised by the Lord Lyon King of Arms; these are: Clan Macdonald of Sleat, Clan Macdonald of Clanranald, Clan MacDonell of Glengarry, Clan MacDonald of Keppoch, and Clan...
, as well as the MacLeods of Lewis
Clan MacLeod of Lewis
Clan Macleod of The Lewes, commonly known as Clan MacLeod of Lewis, is a Highland Scottish clan, which at its height held extensive lands in the Western Isles and west coast of Scotland. From the 14th century up until the beginning of the 17th century there were two branches of Macleods: the...
. However, other island clans, such as the MacLeods of Harris and Dunvegan, the MacLeans
Clan MacLean
Clan Maclean is a Highland Scottish clan. They are one of the oldest clans in the Highlands and owned large tracts of land in Argyll as well as the Inner Hebrides. Many early MacLeans became famous for their honour, strength and courage in battle. They were involved in many clan skirmishes with...
and the MacNeils
Clan MacNeil
Clan MacNeil, also known in Scotland as Clan Niall, is a highland Scottish clan, particularly associated with the Outer Hebridean island of Barra. The early history of Clan MacNeil is obscure, however despite this the clan claims to descend from the legendary Niall of the nine hostages...
, supported John. The Bannatyne manuscript states that the opposing clans fought skirmishes throughout the Hebrides
Hebrides
The Hebrides comprise a widespread and diverse archipelago off the west coast of Scotland. There are two main groups: the Inner and Outer Hebrides. These islands have a long history of occupation dating back to the Mesolithic and the culture of the residents has been affected by the successive...
. One such skirmish was took place on Skye between the MacDonalds and MacLeods when a large force of MacDonalds, led by "Evan MacKail", son of the chief of Clanranald, landed at Aird Bay with the intention of laying waste to MacLeod territory. At this time William Dubh was away and his only son, Alasdair, rallied the clan's forces and marched them towards the MacDonalds, who were encamped near their galleys
Birlinn
The birlinn was a type of boat used especially in the Hebrides and West Highlands of Scotland in the Middle Ages. The Birlinn is a Norse-Gaelic variant on the Norse longship. Variants of the name in English and Lowland Scots include "berlin" and "birling". It probably derives ultimately from the...
. The opposing forces clashed with each other and Alasdair was wounded in the back by Evan MacKail, who swung with a battle axe
Battle axe
A battle axe is an axe specifically designed for combat. Battle axes were specialized versions of utility axes...
. As Alasdair fell to the ground he grabbed Evan MacKail and killed him with a dirk
Dirk
A dirk is a short thrusting dagger, sometimes a cut-down sword blade mounted on a dagger hilt rather than a knife blade. It was historically used as a personal weapon for officers engaged in naval hand-to-hand combat during the Age of Sail.-Etymology:...
and cut off the dead man's head as a trophy. The battle ended with the defeat of the MacDonalds, who lost most of their men, and ten galleys. The manuscript dates from about the 1830s and states that there were heaps of bones and skulls which could still be seen where the battle of was said to have taken place.
These skirmishes led to the final encounter at the Battle of Bloody Bay
Battle of Bloody Bay
The Battle of Bloody Bay, or Blàr Bàgh na Fala in Scottish Gaelic, was a naval battle fought near Tobermory, Scotland. It was fought on the coast of Mull two miles north of Tobermory, between John of Islay, Earl of Ross, the Lord of the Isles and chief of Clan Donald; and his son, Angus Og Macdonald...
in 1480. In this conflict, The Bannatyne manuscript states that William Dubh was killed early on, and at the fall of their chief, the MacLeods began to give way. However, a priest named Callum Clerich made the keeper of the Fairy Flag
Fairy Flag
The Fairy Flag is an heirloom of the chiefs of Clan MacLeod. It is held in Dunvegan Castle along with other notable heirlooms, such as the Dunvegan Cup and Sir Rory Mor's Horn. The Fairy Flag is known for the numerous traditions of fairies, and magical properties associated with it...
unfurl his banner. The manuscript states that when the MacLeod's kinsmen, the MacLeods of Lewis, switched sides upon seeing the sacred flag unfurled and joined the forces supporting John. However, the fate of the battle was already decided and the forces of Angus won the day. A large number of the clan was killed during the conflict, including the bearer of the flag, Murcha Beach, as well as the twelve men who were tasked with the flag's protection. William Dubh's body was taken to the island of Iona
Iona
Iona is a small island in the Inner Hebrides off the western coast of Scotland. It was a centre of Irish monasticism for four centuries and is today renowned for its tranquility and natural beauty. It is a popular tourist destination and a place for retreats...
to be buried with those of his predecessors. The body of Murcha Breac was placed in the same tomb his—the Bannatyne manuscript states that this was the highest honour which could be disposed upon his remains. William Dubh was the last MacLeod chief to be buried on Iona.
Resting place
The Bannatyne manuscript states that the first seven chiefs of Clan MacLeod were buried at Iona. The choir of Iona AbbeyIona Abbey
Iona Abbey is located on the Isle of Iona, just off the Isle of Mull on the West Coast of Scotland. It is one of the oldest and most important religious centres in Western Europe. The abbey was a focal point for the spread of Christianity throughout Scotland and marks the foundation of a monastic...
, for the most part, dates from the early 16th century. Within the centre of the choir there is a large stone which once contained a monumental brass
Monumental brass
Monumental brass is a species of engraved sepulchral memorial which in the early part of the 13th century began to partially take the place of three-dimensional monuments and effigies carved in stone or wood...
, traditionally said to have been a MacLeod. The stone formed a matrix
Matrix (printing)
In hot metal typesetting, a matrix is a mold for casting a letter, known as a sort, used in letterpress printing....
which at one time contained the brass
Brass
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc; the proportions of zinc and copper can be varied to create a range of brasses with varying properties.In comparison, bronze is principally an alloy of copper and tin...
inlay (tradition states it was a silver
Silver
Silver is a metallic chemical element with the chemical symbol Ag and atomic number 47. A soft, white, lustrous transition metal, it has the highest electrical conductivity of any element and the highest thermal conductivity of any metal...
inlay). It is the largest carved stone on the island, measuring 7 foot by 3 in 10 in (1.17 m). R.C. MacLeod speculated that perhaps the clan's founder, Leod
Leod
Leod is considered the eponymous ancestor and founder of Clan MacLeod and Clan MacLeod of Lewis. Almost nothing is known about him and he does not appear in any contemporary records. Tradition dating to the late 18th century made him a son of Olaf the Black who was King of Man...
, and five of his successors were buried beneath—however, in his opinion the fourth chief, Iain Ciar
Iain Ciar MacLeod
Iain Ciar MacLeod is considered to be fourth chief of Clan MacLeod. He was the eldest son of, and is thought to have succeeded his father, Malcolm, in the years spanning 1360–1370. Clan tradition states that he was the most tyrannical of all MacLeod chiefs...
, was buried elsewhere.
Family
The 20th century clan historians Morrison and MacKinnon stated that William Dubh's first wife was a cousin of his, a daughter of John Maclaine, third chief of Clan Maclaine of LochbuieClan MacLaine of Lochbuie
Clan Maclaine of Lochbuie is a Scottish Clan that inhabited lands on the southern end of the Isle of Mull in the Inner Hebrides of the western Scottish Highlands. "Maclaine" is an alternate spelling for "MacLean." Clan Maclaine of Lochbuie and Clan MacLean of Duart are two separate clans...
. The late 19th century clan historian A.M. Sinclair, stated that she was the daughter of Murdoch Maclaine, 2nd chief of Clan Maclaine of Lochbuie. Following the death of his first wife, William Dubh then married Anne, daughter of Ranald Ban MacDonald of Moydart and Clanranald. After William Dubh's death, Anne married her cousin, Hector Roy Mackenzie
Hector Roy Mackenzie
Hector Roy Mackenzie of Gairloch was a prominent member of the Mackenzie clan, who acquired vast estates in and around Gairloch as a result of his services to the Scottish crown and challenged his nephew for the chiefship of the clan.-Origins:...
, 1st of Gairloch
Gairloch
Gairloch is a village, civil parish and community on the shores of Loch Gairloch on the northwest coast of Scotland. A popular tourist destination in the summer months, Gairloch has a golf course, a small museum, several hotels, a community centre, a leisure centre with sports facilities, a local...
.
William Dubh had one son, Alasdair Crotach
Alasdair Crotach MacLeod
Alasdair Crotach MacLeod is considered to be the eighth chief of Scottish Clan MacLeod. He was the son of the seventh chief William Dubh and succeeded his father in 1480, following William Dubh's death at the Battle of Bloody Bay. He was the first MacLeod chief not to be buried on the island of...
, who succeeded him on his death. Morrison and MacKinnon stated that his son was a product of his first marriage and that William Dubh also had two daughters—one from each of his two wives. The 19th century historian A. Mackenzie
Alexander Mackenzie (historian)
Alexander Mackenzie, FSA Scot was a Scottish historian, author, magazine editor and politician. He was born on a croft, in Gairloch. In 1869 he settled in Inverness, where he later became an editor and publisher of the Celtic Magazine, and the Scottish Highlander. Mackenzie wrote numerous clan...
only gave one daughter to William Dubh and stated she married Lachlan MacLean of Duart.
See also
- Battle of Bloody BayBattle of Bloody BayThe Battle of Bloody Bay, or Blàr Bàgh na Fala in Scottish Gaelic, was a naval battle fought near Tobermory, Scotland. It was fought on the coast of Mull two miles north of Tobermory, between John of Islay, Earl of Ross, the Lord of the Isles and chief of Clan Donald; and his son, Angus Og Macdonald...
, a battle fought between numerous west Highland clans, where William Dubh was killed - Fairy flagFairy FlagThe Fairy Flag is an heirloom of the chiefs of Clan MacLeod. It is held in Dunvegan Castle along with other notable heirlooms, such as the Dunvegan Cup and Sir Rory Mor's Horn. The Fairy Flag is known for the numerous traditions of fairies, and magical properties associated with it...
, a Clan MacLeod heirloom said to have magical powers, and said to have been unfurled at the Battle of Bloody Bay