Quick Facts
Biography
Sir William FitzWarin (died c. 1299) was an English soldier active during the First War of Scottish Independence.
Life
FitzWarin was made constable of Urquhart Castle following the English invasion of Scotland in 1296. Following the uprising of Andrew Moray, FitzWarin wrote to King Edward in July 1297: "Some evil disposed people have joined Andrew Moray at the castle of Avoch in Ross." Urquhart Castle was besieged twice by the Scots, led by Andrew de Moray and after the second siege, with little supplies the castle garrison were eventually starved into submission. FitzWarin, with Thweng were committed as prisoners to Dumbarton Castle. FitzWarin was later exchanged for Henry Sinclair, 7th Baron of Roslin in a Prisoner exchange.
Present at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297, he survived the defeat at the hands of the Scots under William Wallace. He was appointed, by his supposed relative John de Warenne, 6th Earl of Surrey the leader of the English army, to the constabulary of Stirling Castle, with Sir Marmaduke Thweng as his deputy, following the rout of the English army.
Surrey left for England, planning to return within ten weeks.
FitzWarin died some point around 1299.
Family
FitzWarin married Maria de Ergadia (d. 1302), daughter of Eóghan of Argyll. She had previously been the wife of Magnus Olafsson, King of Mann and the Isles (d. 1265), Maol Íosa II, Earl of Strathearn (d. 1271), and Hugh, Lord of Abernethy (d. 1291/2); they had issue:
- Robert, died 1297 at the siege of Urquhart Castle.
Both FitzWarin and his wife were buried at Greyfriars, London.