On this day in 1057, King Macbeth of Scotland was killed at the Battle of Lumphanan. Macbeth, himself, had taken the throne in 1040, when his forces killed King Duncan I (who was attempting to invade Macbeth's northern territory). Upon Macbeth's death, his supporters immediately elevated Macbeth's stepson, Lulach. But Lulach was not long for the throne; he was a weak king and would soon be assassinated by his successor, Malcolm III (son of Duncan I, the king who had been killed by Macbeth).
Macbeth (Macbethad mac Findláech) ruled during a period of Scottish history known as The Kingdom of Alba (900-1286 AD). This era ended when England's King Edward I, seized power. Macbeth was called "The Red King," due to his red hair and ruddy complexion. Before becoming king, he was the Mormaer ("Earl") of Moray—which he seems to have taken by killing the previous Mormaer. Macbeth also took his widow, Gruoch, and adopted her son (who became his heir and royal successor). Much of Shakespeare's Tragedy of Macbeth is highly fictionalized, though many of the characters did exist: Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, Duncan, Malcolm, Donalbain. Like any good royal tragedy, Macbeth's stepson, Luach, was killed and replaced (as king) by Duncan's son, Malcolm III.
The Scottish agate cufflinks, shown above, were made around the Turn-on-the-Twentieth-Century. Polished ovals of stone are connected with a silver chain. Handsome, colorful, and oh, so Scottish. Something the Red King might have worn with pride! Click on the photo above to learn more about them.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
We also can be found in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, at The Antique Center of Strabane (www.antiquecenterofstrabane.com).
Or call to arrange to visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only). 917-446-4248