Adam Gordon of Auchindoun facts for kids
Adam Gordon of Auchindoun (1545–1580) was a Scottish knight. He was the younger brother of the Earl of Huntly. Adam was a military leader during the Marian civil war. He fought for Mary, Queen of Scots in north-west Scotland. In Scottish stories and songs, Adam became known as Edom o'Gordon.
Contents
Adam Gordon: A Supporter of Mary, Queen of Scots
Adam Gordon was the son of George Gordon, 4th Earl of Huntly. His mother was Elizabeth Keith. She was the daughter of Robert Keith.
Adam Gordon was captured at the battle of Corrichie in 1562. But he later regained royal favor. He was made the Laird of Auchindoun Castle.
During the civil war, Adam fought for Queen Mary. She was no longer on the throne. He especially fought against the Clan Forbes. The Forbes clan supported Mary's young son, James VI of Scotland. In March 1571, Lady Methven was worried. She wrote that Adam Gordon might be coming to Arbroath.
In October 1571, Adam defeated the Forbes clan. This happened at the battle of Tillieangus. In November, he won again at Craibstone. This battle was also called Aberdeen Bridge. He defeated the Forbes and some of the Regent's soldiers. Adam then defeated another army at Brechin.
The Battle of Tullieangus and Corgarff Castle
Adam Gordon had about 1,000 men at Tillieangus. The Forbes clan had about 300 men. This battle happened on October 17, 1571. Adam hid his larger army. This made the Forbes walk into a trap.
Arthur Forbes, Lord Forbes's brother, was killed. About 12 to 16 other Forbes men also died. William Forbes and 16 others were captured. Twenty-two of Adam's men were killed. This included John Gordon of Buiky.
Before the battle of Craibstone, Adam's men were involved in a sad event. This happened at Corgarff Castle. The castle was set on fire. About 24 to 27 people died inside. This included Lady Towie and her daughters. Adam had sent his officer, Captain Ker, to Lady Towie. He asked her to give up the castle. When she refused, Adam ordered the castle to be burned.
Adam's relative, Alexander Gordon (bishop of Galloway), wrote about the battle. He told the Earl of Shrewsbury about it. The Earl was keeping Mary, Queen of Scots safe. He said that 36 main Forbes gentlemen were killed. One hundred were captured.
The Battle of Craibstone
The Master of Forbes and Captains Chisholm and Wedderburn marched to Aberdeen. This was on November 20, 1571. Chisholm and Wedderburn were the Regent's men. They led two groups of musketeers. These soldiers were called "hagbutters." Their total army was about 800 men.
Adam Gordon and Captain Ker had 900 men in the town. The Forbes men crossed the bridge of Aberdeen. They fought Adam's men for an hour at Craibstone. The Forbes men then had to retreat. Chisholm and 300 men were killed. The Master of Forbes and 200 men were captured. Two hundred of Adam's men were killed.
Some cavalry, led by Alexander Campbell, fought with the Forbes. The Forbes and the Regent's troops came to Aberdeen because they needed food. Adam did not want to fight at first. He thought he was outgunned. But he saw his chance after the other troops used up their ammunition. The Forbes archers ran away.
A local writer, Walter Cullen, said about 60 men died on each side. The History of King James of Sext described Adam's readiness in Aberdeen. It said he was a "valiant chief." It also mentioned 600 cavalrymen fighting against him. The Forbes men were chased for four miles. This history book said 300 Forbes men died, but only 30 of Adam's men. Adam's victories were remembered. But the burning of Lady Towie was seen as a terrible act.
Exile and Death
Adam Gordon was included in a peace agreement. It was called the "Pacification of Perth." This happened on February 23, 1573. After this, he was allowed to go to France. There, he tried to get support for Queen Mary.
In 1574, Adam talked with English diplomats. He tried to make peace with Regent Morton. At the same time, his brother, the 5th Earl of Huntly, wrote to Elizabeth I of England. He said he was not involved in Adam's actions in France. In September 1574, Morton arrested Adam Gordon's servant, Alexander Duff.
In the summer of 1575, Adam Gordon came back to Scotland. He was put in Blackness Castle. Then, in 1577, he was set free. He had to promise to live in Galloway. On April 9, 1580, Adam Gordon came to Stirling. There was a fear that King James VI might be taken to Dumbarton Castle. Then he might be taken to France.
Adam Gordon died in Perth on October 27, 1580.
