Alexander Armstrong, 1st Laird of Mangerton

Alexander Armstrong, first Laird of Mangerton (c1262 - aft1300), ruled over the Armstrongs in Liddesdale - "Valley of the Liddel Water", extending 20 miles from Peel Fall to the river Esk. For 7 miles the Liddel river forms the border between England and Scotland. The fortified building (pele tower) at Mangerton was his capital. Alexander was murdered by William de Soulis, one of the most powerful men in Scotland, when he attended a feast in that man's castle.

Alexander Armstrong (c1284 ) In 1320 De Soulis reached to far plotted to seize the throne from Robert the Bruce. He was siezed at Berwick castle and imprisoned for life. All of his lands - which included Liddesdale - were declared forfeit. The Milnholm Cross was erected at this time, as a memorial to the first Laird of Mangerton. It stands half a mile away from Mangerton.

Alexander is listed in the Lairds of Mangerton but he seems to have not been counted in the enumeration of the Lairds; his father is implied to be the first Laird, and his son Gilbert was the second Laird. He therefore may not exist; merging the two Alexanders may be in order, which is what I've done.

It seems very plausible that the MilnHolm Cross was erected by clergyman Gilbert, who was the Second Laird.

Ancestry

According to the Armstrong Clan, Alexander was a direct descendant of Siward Armstrong , the first named Armstrong, but we do not know how.

References

• General history of the Armstrongs: This reference
• The Lairds of Mangerton are described in this reference.