1379
August
- 2nd
Henry Sinclair,the last 'Viking' Earl, was appointed Earl of Orkney and Shetland by the Norwegian king Håkon VI.
The terms upon which Sinclair was to hold his government, as summarized and sent to Scottish historian William Guthrie by Danish historian Torfaeus, read: "First, to be ready to serve the said king, his heirs and successors, with an hundred good men well armed, as often as he would be required, upon three months advertisement, provided that the king would maintain them at his own charge, as soon as they would come to his presence. Secondly, To defend the isles of Orkney and Shetland, in case of their being attacked by any foreign power, not only with the forces that could be raised within these islands, but also with the whole strength of his other friends and servants, whose assistance he also promised to afford, in case the king of Norway should think fit to attack any foreign state or kingdom. Thirdly, Not to impignorate or alienate any part of the said islands, nor to build castles or fortresses within them, without the express consent of the king. Fourthly, To protect and maintain the inhabitants thereof in all their just rights, laws and liberties. Fifthly, To be subject to the laws of Norway, and to attend upon the person of the said king, when required either to give him counsel in general assemblies, or to assist him in his wars. Sixthly, To enter into no private compact or bond with the bishop of Orkney, without consent of the king; and to be assisting to the king in opposition to the bishop, if need be. Seventhly, That the said earldom and government should revert into the hands of the said king and his heirs, in case the said earl of Orkney should chance to die without heirs male of his own body; and that his children, though heirs male, should not enter upon the succession without the consent and good will of the said king. Eighthly, To pay to the said king in Tunisbery, at the feast of Martinmas next, the sum of one thousand nobles of gold, English money. Lastly, To prevail with his cousins Malisius Sperre, and Alexander de Leard, to give up all their pretensions to the said earldom and isles."
