Clan Comyn The Cummings, Comyns or Cummins were of Norman origin. William the Conqueror brought with him a companion called Robert of Comyn, believed to be from the Flanders area. He was made Earl of Northumberland in 1069. When David I returned to Scotland he brought with him, Richard (Robert’s grandson) who became Chancellor of Scotland in 1133. After 1230 the Comyns became Lords of Badenoch and also held much of Lochaber and the Great Glen. They had very quickly established themselves with a strong power base, ruling from an island fortress on Lochindorb. In 1242, as a result of marriages to Celtic heiresses, Alexander Comyn was Earl of Buchan, Walter was Earl of Mentieth and John was Earl of Angus. By this time almost a quarter of Scottish Earls were Comyns and they had come to have as much Celtic as Norman blood. Their Chief, the Black Comyn, was a contender for Scotland’s throne, after David I’s line ended in 1286, not only because of their position of the most powerful family in Scotland. However the crown went to King John in 1292. However he was later deposed and again the Comyns found themselves as contenders. His son, Red Comyn was considered to be the heir but ruled with the best interests of himself and his clan, sometimes siding with England. However he was stabbed to death by Robert the Bruce, in 1306, in a friary near Dumfries. The War of Independence ensued and resulted in Robert being declared king. Meanwhile he set about diminishing the power and influence of the Comyns. John, the son of Red Comyn was killed at Bannockburn trying to avenge his father’s death. The main line subsequently died out with his son, John. Since the middle ages the Comyn Chiefs have held the Barony of Altyre near Forres. This is still the clan seat. In 1804 General Alexander Cumming of Altyre was created a Baronet. On succeeding to the estates of Gordon of Gordonstoun he took the name Gordon-Cumming. maroan.co.uk/clans/cumming.htm
Posted on: Sun, 27 Oct 2013 21:04:21 +0000
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