Lawrence, son of Kemény

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Lawrence, son of Kemény (Kemény fia Lőrinc) was a Hungarian noble and military leader in the 13th century. He grew up with lands in southern Transdanubia and entered Béla IV’s royal court as a trusted soldier and official. He served in many important roles over the years and helped keep the kingdom stable when powerful barons fought for control.

Early life and service
- Lawrence began his public career in the 1240s and fought in campaigns to support Rostislav Mikhailovich’s claim to the throne of Halych.
- He was seriously wounded in 1245 but stood by Rostislav, even saving his life by giving him his horse.
- He fought in the royal army against Austria, taking part in battles such as the Leitha in 1246 and campaigns in 1250–1253.
- He rose to become Master of the Horse (1258–1259) and ispán (county governor) of Győr.

Rising power and the Bulgarian campaign
- In 1259–1260, while Rostislav’s fate shifted, Lawrence defended Hungarian interests against Bulgaria and helped restore Hungarian authority in the Banate of Severin.
- Béla IV made him Ban of Severin in 1260, recognizing his military service.

Civil war between Béla IV and Stephen
- When tensions between Béla IV and his son Stephen escalated, Lawrence stood firmly with Béla.
- He became Judge royal (1262–1265) and held other local offices (ispán of Zala and Moson counties).
- In 1264–1265, he led a royal army into eastern Transylvania as part of the civil war. He besieged the fortress of Feketehalom (Codlea) and captured Stephen’s envoy, a move that ended with a mixed result.
- The royalist forces were eventually defeated near Feketehalom, and Lawrence was captured during the fighting, though he was later released after the Battle of Isaszeg in 1265, which helped end the war in favor of Stephen’s side.
- He remained a loyal supporter of Béla IV after the peace of 1265.

Later offices and the reign of Stephen V
- In 1267, Béla IV appointed him Palatine of Hungary, a position he held for about three years. He also served as ispán of Somogy (1267–1270) and controlled the Kemlék castle district (1269–1270).
- He participated in important royal acts and was present at gatherings that defined the rights of noble servants.
- After Béla IV died in 1270, Stephen V became king. Lawrence escorted Stephen to Cracow and remained a trusted figure, receiving the title Ban of Severin again around 1270, though his influence fluctuated with the political turmoil of the time.
- In 1273 he was briefly made Palatine again during a period of influence by Queen Elizabeth the Cuman, and he held other county offices (including Sopron) for a short time. He was granted the Újvár castle in March 1273, a possession once held by his father.
- When the western lords rebelled against Stephen, Lawrence gradually lost power. His estates were confiscated in early 1274, though he was later forgiven and had some property returned.

Death and legacy
- Lawrence is last mentioned as alive before 1280, but the exact date of his death is unknown.
- He had two sons, Kemény II and Nicholas, who continued the family line.
- Through his sons, he became the ancestor of the Cseményi and Matucsinai noble families. Some later records even called him Lawrence Matucsinai.
- Lawrence is remembered as a loyal, capable military leader and a stabilizing figure who helped the crown during times of civil strife.