The Red and Black Comyns
Copyright © G. Allen Cummings 2018
The Red Comyns
The Black Comyns
Over the years, there has been discussions as to whether or not there were two distinct groups of Comyns that were referred to as "The Red Comyns" and "The Black Comyns", or whether or not it was just certain individuals that were called the Red Comyn or the Black Comyn. In each case the answer is yes.
About 1210, William Comyn was favored by the King with the heiress of Buchan as his wife and the title of Earl of Buchan. In 1228, his eldest son by his first wife, Richard Comyn, was similarly active in Scottish politics and was rewarded with a great lordship in Badenoch and Lochaber and control of Strathspey. Upon the death of his two older brothers, Richard and Walter Comyn, the first John the Red Comyn became head of the family. 1, 2
The senior branch, The Red Comyns, Lords of Badenoch were known by their heraldic colors, while The Earls of Buchan, a junior line were known as The Black Comyns.1 Thus, House of Badenoch and the House of Buchan respectively.4
Because of the Comyn's opposition to Robert the Bruce, there was little left of the great Comyn empire after the ravaging of Buchan, with exception of the Cumming of Altyre (Moray) and the Cumines of Rattray (Aberdeenshire) who have carried on the family name to present times.3 Individuals that were referred to as either the Red Comyn or the Black Comyn are well noted in Scottish History. However, the reason for the reference to the color red or black is not known. It is presumed to reference the hair color of each individual or perhaps their complexion.
John Comyn I -known as the 1st Red Comyn, was the 3rd son of William Comyn, died abt. 1273. 4
John Comyn II -known as the Black Comyn was the 2nd son of John Comyn I, died abt.1299. 4
John Comyn III -known as the 2nd Red Comyn was the 1st son of John Comyn II, died 10 February 1306. 4
References
1.
Minzes, Gordon, Who are the Scots? and The Scottish Nation, 2008, ISBN 1-902930-39-8, p99
2.
Cumming Bruce, M.E., Family Records of the Bruces and Cumyns with an Historical Introduction and Appendix, William Blackwood and Sons, Edinburgh and London, 1870, appendix
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