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Maitland is a name of
Norman origin being spelt Mautalent, Matulant or Matalan. Mautalents come from village of
Les Moitiers d'Allonne near Carteret, Normandy. The name occurs frequently in
Northumberland in the 12th and 13th century but the first in Scotland was Thomas de
Matulant of Anglo-Norman origin, ancestor to the noble family of Lauderdale. He flourished
in the reign of William the Lion and died in 1288. During the reign of Alexander III his
grandson, Sir Richard Matulant was one of the most powerful Lowland barons owning the
lands of Thirlestane, Blythe, Tollus and Hedderwick. His son was a patriot and joined with
Robert the Bruce on his accession to the crown, however he died in 1315. Two of his sons
died at the Battle of Durham but his grandson, John, nephew of Sir Robert Keith, Great
Marischal of Scotland obtained a charter to the lands of Thirlestane and Tollus. Sir
Robert Maitland was in charge of Dunbar Castle but surrendered it to the Earl of Mar on
his return to Scotland with Hotspur and Lord Talbot after the cancellation of the marriage
of his daughter Lady Elizabeth Dunbar and David Duke of Rothesay. His son Robert, was one
of the hostages for James I on the liberation from England in 1424. His descendant,
William Maitland of Lethington was killed at Flodden in 1513 with his King. Sir John
Maitland was created the 1st Lord of Thirlestane and married the heiress of Lord Fleming.
He was Lord High Chamberlain of Scotland in the reign of Queen Mary and his son was
created the first Earl of Lauderdale. His sister, Anne married Robert, Lord Seton son of
the 1st Earl of Winton. Through frequent marriages with the families of Fleming and Seton
the Maitlands became loyal adherants to Mary Queen of Scots even when her fortunes were at
their lowest. John, 2nd Earl was a staunch supporter of Charles II and was made Secretary
of State, Lord High Commissioner and Governor of Edinburgh Castle. In 1674 he was created
1st Duke of Lauderdale and in 1674, 1st Earl of Guildford John Maitland of Thirlestane
built Thirlestane Castle, Lauder. The estate of Lethington was bought by Lord Blantyre in
the 18th century who renamed the castle Lennoxlove. The Earls of Lauderdale are Hereditary
Saltire Banner Bearers of Scotland.
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