John
Here is additional information on Solway Moss and on Sinclair as Earl of
Orkney I divided it into two distinct sections. My e-mail carnet is in
England are since these subjects are not of interest to most please let me
have both yours and Laurels
Sinclair Earls of Orkney (1379-1471)
Henry de St Clair from a family of Norman origin was granted land in Lothian
in 1162. A decedent Henry Sinclair (d.. circa. 1400) the Earldom of Orkney
passed in 1379. The Norse line of Earls extinguished itself with no male
heir and immediately before the Earldom passed within various Norse distaff
hands. Henry was followed as Norway premier Earl by his son Henry (d. 1418)
who was also Admiral of Scotland. Henry sailed with James I of Scotland, not
to be confused with James I of England (VI of Scotland) he was captured by
the English, both the king and Henry. Henry son William (1404-1480) was also
Admiral of Scotland and the last Sinclair Earl of Orkney, the Earldom was
reclaimed by the Crown in 1471, conveyed James 11 year old daughter Margaret
of Scotland to France for her marriage to the Dauphin (Crown Prince of the
French) The Crown rents of Norway were pledged to James III of Scotland as a
dowery for his marriage to Margaret of Denmark-Norway it is this James who
pried the Earldom away from Sinclair hands. Ample compensation was received
by the Sinclair, Earls of Caithness a title that continues to this day and
resides in the most noble Earl Malcolm Sinclair of Caithness.
The circle has been unbroken from Norse pirates to Norse Earls. From Viking
raiders to Norman nobles from companions of the Conqueror to defenders of the
marches the name Sinclair has withstood the ravages of time with pride. What
a name to have the privilege to bear.
Sinclair, Oliver of Pitcairns birth date uncertain died 1560
James the fifth favourite was not as other favourites low born being a
grandson of Earl William Sinclair of Orkney he was made keeper of Tantallon
Castle after the Douglass were banished. James V reclaimed the feu of Orkney
and Shetland during his visit of the islands in 1540. Oliver was appointed
Justice, Sheriff, Admiral and Bailie. In 1542 he was put in charge of the
Scots army for the debacle of Solway Moss.
Sinclair.
[ This is the Sinclair family discussion list, sinclair@mids.org
[ To get off or on the list, see http://www.mids.org/sinclair/list.html