Adam de Gordon (died 1402) facts for kids

Sir Adam de Gordon (died 1402) was an important Scottish nobleman from the 1300s. He was known as the Lord of Gordon.

Life of Sir Adam de Gordon

Sir Adam was the son of Sir John de Gordon, who was also a Lord of Gordon. His mother was Elizabeth Cruickshanks.

Becoming a Baron

A Scottish leader named George I, Earl of March, sided with England. Because of this, Sir Adam Gordon was given control over the lands of Gordon and Fogo. This made him a baron, which is a type of nobleman. He was also made the "warden of the east marches." This meant he was in charge of protecting the border areas in the east of Scotland.

Battle of Otterburn (1388)

In 1388, Sir Adam joined the Scottish army. This army, led by James Douglas, the Earl of Douglas, went into England. They fought in the battle of Otterburn on August 19. Many Scottish nobles, including Earl Douglas, were killed in this battle.

Land Grants and Strathbogie Castle

On June 18, 1388, King Robert II of Scotland gave Sir Adam an important document. This document confirmed that the lands of Strathbogie would belong to him and his family forever. These lands had first been given to an earlier Sir Adam de Gordon by King Robert the Bruce.

Huntly Castle, originally called Strathbogie, was built by Sir Adam de Gordon.

Battle of Homildon Hill (1402)

In 1402, Sir Adam joined a large Scottish army. This army, led by Archibald Douglas, the Earl of Douglas, invaded England. They went as far as Newcastle. On their way back, an English army approached them near Wooler. The Scots had to take a stand on Homildon Hill.

The English archers shot many arrows at the Scots. The Scottish soldiers grew impatient. Sir John de Swynton, another Scottish knight, wanted to charge forward. Sir Adam Gordon and Sir John de Swynton had been in a disagreement, or "feud," before this battle. But at this moment, Sir Adam knelt and asked for Sir John's forgiveness. Sir John then made Sir Adam a knight right there on the battlefield.

Together, they led about a hundred horsemen in a charge against the English. They fought bravely and caused a lot of damage. However, they were eventually overwhelmed and both were killed in the battle.

Family of Sir Adam

Around 1380, Sir Adam Gordon married Elizabeth Keith. She was the daughter of William Keith, who was the Marischal of Scotland. Sir Adam and Elizabeth had two children:

• John Gordon: He took over his father's titles after Sir Adam died. However, John died without having any children himself.
• Elizabeth Gordon: After her brother John died, Elizabeth inherited her father's honors. She married Alexander Seton.

See also

 This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain:  "Gordon, Adam de (d.1402)". Dictionary of National Biography. (1885–1900). London: Smith, Elder & Co.