Richard de Moravia of Culbin or of Cubyn, was a Scottish nobleman famed for his victory over the Vikings at the Battle of Embo which took place in Sutherland, Scotland sometime between 1260 and 1270.
Origins
Richard was a son of Murdac, son of Alexander de Moravia. This is proven in a charter from Abbot of Dunfermline, which identifies Richard as "Ric de Moravia fil Murdaci filii Alexandri de Moravia". He was also either the cousin, or nephew, of Hugh or Hugo de Moravia, also known as Hugh Freskin, who was the first Lord of Sutherland and whose son was William de Moravia, 1st Earl of Sutherland. Richard's brother was Gilbert de Moravia who was Bishop of Caithness.
Castle and lands
Richard de Moravia received from his elder brother, Gilbert, all of the lands that Gilbert had received from Hugo Freskyn, and the charter was confirmed by Alexander II of Scotland. Richard was also given Skelbo Castle by his brother Gilbert in 1235.
Battle of Embo
William, Earl of Sutherland asked Richard de Moravia to engage a party of Danes who had landed at Littleferry, Sutherland until the Earl could come to his aid with a stronger force. The plan worked and the Danes were routed by the arrival of the Earl. However, Richard was killed during the battle. The Earl then arranged for Richard's body to be interred in Dornoch Cathedral and his damaged sarcophagus can still be seen there today. This was known as the Battle of Embo and took place sometime between 1260 and 1270.
Family and descendants
Richard de Moravia married Marjorie Lascelles, the daughter and heiress of Alan de Lascelles. They had four sons: Sir Alexander, William, Sir Malcolm, and Sir Patrick. Their great-grandson Alan; whose son was Reginald; whose son was Gilbert. Gilbert married Eustachia, daughter of Kenneth de Moravia, 4th Earl of Sutherland. Their son was Walter whose daughter and heiress was Egidia de Moravia who carried the estates of Cubyn and Skelbol into the Kinnaird family. Richard de Moravia is also believed to have been the ancestor of the Murray of Aberscross family in Sutherland. The surname de Moravia meaning "of Moray" or "of Murray". The Murray of Culbin coat of arms is recorded as Sable, three stars argent.
