Alexander Cunningham, 5th Earl of Glencairn facts for kids

Alexander Cunningham, 5th Earl of Glencairn (born around 1515, died 23 November 1574) was an important Scottish nobleman. He was a key leader in the Scottish Reformation, a big change in Scotland's religious life.

Alexander Cunningham's Early Life

Alexander Cunningham was the son of William Cunningham, 4th Earl of Glencairn. His mother was Catherine Borthwick. Like his father, Alexander became a Protestant. This meant he supported the new religious ideas that were spreading across Europe. He was one of the first Scottish nobles to join the Reformation movement.

Standing Up for New Ideas

By 1540, Alexander was known as Lord Kilmaurs. He was already involved in the reform cause. He even wrote a funny poem making fun of the Grey Friars, who were Catholic monks. This poem was later printed by John Knox, a famous Protestant leader. When his father passed away in 1548, Lord Kilmaurs became the Earl of Glencairn.

A Leader in the Scottish Reformation

In 1555, John Knox returned to Scotland. Alexander Cunningham openly went to hear Knox preach. When Knox asked the Queen Regent, Mary of Guise, to protect Protestant preachers, Glencairn bravely delivered the letter himself. The Queen Regent didn't take it seriously. She called it a "pasquil," which means a silly, mocking letter.

Supporting the Protestant Faith

In 1556, Glencairn welcomed Knox to his home, Finlaystone House. There, they held a special religious service. His whole family and some friends took part in the Lord's Supper in the new Protestant way. In December 1557, Glencairn was one of the main leaders of the Reform Party. They signed an important agreement called the Covenant. This agreement promised to support and defend the Protestant religion. From then on, they were known as the Lords of the Congregation.

Challenging the Queen Regent

In 1559, the Queen Regent started to act harshly against Protestants. Glencairn and his relative, Sir Hugh Campbell of Loudon, met with her. They reminded her of her promises to allow people to practice their religion freely. The Queen Regent replied that rulers didn't have to keep promises if it wasn't convenient. Glencairn and Campbell bravely told her that if she wouldn't keep her word, they would no longer be loyal to her. This made her pause her actions.

Fighting for the Cause

In May 1559, Protestants in Perth had to defend themselves with weapons. Glencairn quickly joined them. He brought 1,200 horsemen and 1,300 foot soldiers from western Scotland. After the Protestant religion became the official religion in 1560, Glencairn was chosen to be a member of Queen Mary's Privy Council. This was a group of trusted advisors to the Queen.

Diplomatic Missions

Glencairn, along with the Earl of Morton and William Maitland of Lethington, was sent as an ambassador to Queen Elizabeth I of England. They suggested that Queen Elizabeth marry the Earl of Arran, who was next in line to the Scottish throne. This was meant to strengthen the friendship between Scotland and England, but Queen Elizabeth said no.

Opposing Mary, Queen of Scots

Glencairn was among the nobles who did not want Mary, Queen of Scots, to marry Lord Darnley. Later, in June 1567, Glencairn was a main commander in the army against Queen Mary at Carberry Hill. When the French ambassador offered forgiveness from the Queen if they would leave, Glencairn famously replied that they were not there to ask for forgiveness, but to give it to those who had offended.

When Mary, Queen of Scots, was taken to Loch Leven Castle that month, Glencairn acted quickly. He went with his servants to the Chapel Royal at Holyroodhouse. There, they destroyed all the religious statues, broke down the altar, tore down pictures, and ruined all the decorations. This showed his strong commitment to the Protestant cause.

Succession

Alexander Cunningham was followed as Earl of Glencairn by his oldest son, William Cunningham, 6th Earl of Glencairn.

Writings

Lord Glencairn wrote a funny poem against the Catholic Church. It was called The Hermit of Allareit or Loretto, near Musselburgh. This poem is found in Knox's History of the Reformation and also in Sibbald's Chronicle of Scottish Poetry.