Alexander Cunningham, 1st Earl of Glencairn facts for kids

Alexander Cuninghame (born 1426, died 11 June 1488) was an important Scottish nobleman. He was known as the 1st Earl of Glencairn and the 1st Lord Kilmaurs. He became Lord Kilmaurs in 1464 and was made an Earl in 1488, shortly before his death.

Early Life and Royal Connections

Alexander Cuninghame took over from his father before 1451. He showed his generosity early on by giving money to the Friars-Preachers in Glasgow. This money was for special church services to remember his grandparents.

Alexander was part of the court of King James II. He joined the King on a trip to the south of Scotland. This trip was to deal with James, the 9th Earl of Douglas. On 18 July 1452, Alexander gave back some of his lands to King James II. These lands included Kilmaurs and Finlaystone. The King then immediately gave these lands back to Alexander and his family. This showed the King's trust in him.

Becoming Lord Kilmaurs

In 1458, Alexander worked as a Bailie (a type of local official) in Cunningham. Later, some people accused him of helping Earl of Douglas, who was seen as a rebel. On 13 January 1464, Alexander spoke to the King and Parliament. He said that King James III had already declared him innocent in 1463.

Alexander offered to prove his innocence in several ways. He offered to have a group of his peers (other noblemen) judge him. He also offered to have 100 knights and esquires (gentlemen) swear he was innocent. Or, he offered to fight to prove his honor. Parliament agreed that he was innocent.

This event was the first time Alexander was called "Lord Kilmaurs." He had been given this important title between February 1463 and January 1464. From 1464 to 1488, Alexander regularly attended Parliament as Lord Kilmaurs.

Earl of Glencairn and Final Battle

In 1488, many Scottish noblemen rebelled against King James III. The King's son, who was about 16, joined the rebels. Alexander, Lord Kilmaurs, was a very powerful nobleman. He brought his soldiers to help King James III. They fought against the rebels at the Battle of Blackness.

Because of his loyalty and help, King James III rewarded Alexander. On 28 May 1488, Alexander Cuninghame was made the Earl of Glencairn. He was now called "Alexander, Earl of Glencairn and Lord Kilmaurs." To support this new honor, the King also gave him more land.

After the Battle of Blackness, there was an attempt to make peace. However, the peace talks failed. The war started again. On 11 June 1488, Alexander Cuninghame, Earl of Glencairn, was killed. This happened during the Battle of Sauchieburn, near Stirling. King James III was also killed around the same time.

Offspring

Alexander Cuninghame had several children:

• Robert Cunningham, 2nd Earl of Glencairn: He inherited his father's title after Alexander's death.
• William of Craigends: He was the ancestor of several important families. In 1479, his father gave him the lands of Craiganys (Craigends).
• Alexander: He is mentioned in a document from 1483.
• Edward: He is also mentioned in a document from 1483.