LE3 .A278 2012

2012

MacDonald, Jennifer

Acadia University

Bachelor of Arts

Honours

History

History & Classics

This thesis aims to shatter the myth that the Davidian-era in Scottish history was characterized by an enlightened reform of the kingdom under a dynasty of pious rulers. Rather, the period saw the aggressive assertion of Scottish power and the imposition of Canmore rule over North Britain. It will be shown that King David I and his grandsons, Kings Malcolm IV and William I, had little interest in transforming the Gaelic realm of Alba into an Anglo-Norman political society. Instead, the feudalisation was undertaken to cement royal control over territories that had only recently fallen within the orbit of Scottish Crown, or those that were conquered by the Davidians themselves during the course of the 12th century. Nor was their great program of Church patronage driven by genuine Christian charity. David and his grandsons used feudal land-grant charters to endow reformed monastic orders in order to build up diplomatic capital with the Papacy, and eliminate the claims of York to supremacy over the Scottish Church. Such claims threatened the independence of the Scottish Crown, and the Davidians used their familiarity with feudal practice and language to side-step assertions of overlordship made by a succession of English kings. Through an examination of charters, landscape evidence, diplomatic agreements, and papal correspondence, this thesis invalidates the notion of a benign reformist initiative on the part of the Davidian kings, and exposes the imperialistic ambitions behind the feudalisation of Scotland.

The author retains copyright in this thesis. Any substantial copying or any other actions that exceed fair dealing or other exceptions in the Copyright Act require the permission of the author.

https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:897