The Lordship of Galloway

In viewing Galloway from the wider context of the northern British mainland, Irish Sea and wider Hebridean zone, it has been possible to explore the dynamics of state-building, dynastic interactions, and the close inter-relationships of the territories connected by the western seaways, which most traditional 'national' histories obscure. From this wider perspective, the development of the lordship of Galloway can be considered in the context of the spreading power and regional rivalries of English, Irish and Scottish kings, and a reassessment of the emergence of the unitary lordship controlled by Fergus of Galloway and his family.

Traditional interpretations of the relationship of Fergus and his successors with the kings of England and Scotland are challenged and new light is thrown on the beginnings of the processes of progressive domination of Galloway by, and integration into, the kingdom of the Scots. The end of the autonomous lordship in the 1230s is projected against the backdrop of the aggressive state-building activities of King Alexander II and the transformation of its rulers from independently minded princes and warlords into Anglo-Scottish barons.

About the author

Richard D. Oram gained an MA (Hons) in Medieval History with Archaeology and a PhD in Medieval History, both from the University of St Andrews. He is currently Professor of Medieval and Environmental History at the University of Stirling. A former Director of the Centre for Environmental History and Policy and member of the Historic Environment Advisory Council for Scotland, he is now a Trustee of the National Museums of Scotland.

Product details

• Authors: Richard Oram, Richard D Oram, Oram Richard D.
• Publisher: BookSource
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Release: 16.04.2026
• EAN: 9781910900451
• ISBN: 978-1-910900-45-1
• No. of pages: 352
• Illustrations: 8pp maps, 8pp b/w plates
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > History > Regional and national histories; History, European History, HISTORY / General, HISTORY / Europe / General, Scotland, HISTORY / Social History, Social & cultural history, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Archaeology, HISTORY / Europe / Ireland, CE period up to c 1500, British & Irish history, Archaeology, Local History, c 1000 CE to c 1500, HISTORY / Europe / Great Britain / General, Social and cultural history, Early history: c 500 to c 1450/1500, c 500 to c 1000 CE, History and Archaeology, Lowland Scotland and Borders, Lowland Scotland & Borders, HISTORY / Europe / Medieval, C 500 CE To C 1000 CE