Walter Fitz Alan


? - 1177

Norman noble and Hereditary High Steward of Scotland, whose line eventually became the Royal House of Stewart. Most likely born in Shropshire (England), he came to Scotland c.1136 and entered the service of King David I (c.1080 - 1153), for whom he fought at Northallerton in 1138. Fitz Alan was appointed Hereditary Steward of Scotland, a position confirmed in 1157 by Malcolm IV (1141-65) and was granted lands in Renfrewshire. He founded a monastic house at Paisley in 1163 which was later raised to the status of an abbey. Fitz Alan defeated Somerled, Lord of the Isles, at the Battle of Renfrew in 1164.

He was buried at his foundation in Paisley. His descendant, the 7th High Steward, succeeded to the throne of Scotland as Robert II in 1371.


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