Alexander Erskine of Gogar facts for kids

Portrait of Alexander Erskine of Gogar.

Alexander Erskine of Gogar (died 1592) was an important Scottish landowner. He was also in charge of looking after young King James VI at Stirling Castle.

Alexander's Life and Work

Alexander was the son of John Erskine, 5th Lord Erskine and Lady Margaret Campbell. Because he was a younger son, people often called him the "Master of Mar." He also owned land in a place called Gogar, Logie, near Stirling.

After his older brother, John Erskine, Earl of Mar, passed away in 1572, Alexander was given a very important job. He became the guardian of the young King James VI at Stirling Castle.

Help from England

Because Alexander had such an important role, the English government offered him money. They gave him £150 a year. This was because Regent Morton, who ruled Scotland for the young King, said Alexander was "well friended" and "of good credit." This meant Alexander was trusted and powerful.

In 1575, an English diplomat named Francis Walsingham heard a rumor. He heard that Regent Morton might try to take the King away from Alexander. But Alexander's job was given to him by the Parliament of Scotland, so Morton couldn't easily remove him. Walsingham decided to make Alexander an ally of England. This way, if Morton lost his power, England would still have a friend in Scotland. Luckily, this problem passed without much trouble.

Keeper of Edinburgh Castle

Later, in March 1578, Regent Morton stepped down from his role. Alexander was then given another big job. He became the Keeper of Edinburgh Castle. He took over from George Douglas of Parkhead.

As Keeper, Alexander was responsible for the castle's weapons, called artillery. He also had to look after a special box of jewelry that once belonged to Mary, Queen of Scots. In January 1579, the keys to this jewelry box were given to William Ruthven, 1st Earl of Gowrie, who was Scotland's treasurer.

Stirling Castle Takeover

Alexander Erskine talked with the Commendators in the Great Hall of Stirling Castle. King James VI was very scared during this time.

In April 1578, Alexander Erskine of Gogar was removed from his job at Stirling Castle. This happened because of his relative, Adam Erskine, who was the Commendator of Cambuskenneth. Adam was also a friend of the former Regent Morton.

An English diplomat named Robert Bowes wrote about what happened. Adam Erskine convinced Alexander's nephew, the young Earl of Mar, that he should be the King's guardian instead.

The Morning of the Coup

Early on Sunday morning, April 27, 1578, Adam Erskine, his brother David Erskine, Commendator of Dryburgh, and the Earl of Mar were all staying in Stirling Castle. They went to the castle gate, pretending they were going out for a hunt.

At the gate, the two Commendators met Alexander, who held the castle keys. They started to argue with him about who should look after the King. Alexander grabbed a halberd, which is a type of weapon, and called his servants. There was a short fight.

King James's Fear

After the struggle, Alexander and the Commendators went into the Great Hall to talk things over. Colin Campbell, 6th Earl of Argyll was also in the castle with his followers, ready to fight. But in the end, they decided to let the young Earl of Mar take over.

During the fight, Alexander's oldest son was badly hurt, and a servant was injured. The young King James VI was so scared that he was said to have pulled his own hair. He was afraid that Alexander had been killed.

Aftermath of the Takeover

Alexander and Argyll then left Stirling Castle. Both sides, and the King's teacher George Buchanan, wrote letters to the Privy Council in Edinburgh. They said that everyone had made up and that the government of Scotland would not change.

However, the change at the castle did help the former Regent Morton. Before this, he couldn't easily reach the King. Now, he had more influence. Elizabeth I of England, who supported Morton, sent a letter to the Earl of Mar to show her support. Morton later said he had nothing to do with the events at Stirling Castle.

Depute Chamberlain Role

On December 23, 1583, Ludovic Stewart, 2nd Duke of Lennox became the High and Great Chamberlain of Scotland. Alexander Erskine of Gogar, who was Captain of Edinburgh Castle, was made his helper, called a depute. This job meant Alexander had to make sure other officers and servants promised their loyalty to the King.

In December 1584, Alexander received a special gift from the King. He was given money from the taxes on goods in Edinburgh. This was for his work as Captain of Edinburgh Castle. It was also for looking after the King's home in Stirling when the King was young.

Alexander Erskine of Gogar passed away in 1592.

Family

Alexander married Margaret Home in 1564. She was the daughter of George Home, 4th Lord Home. They had several children, including:

• Thomas Erskine, 1st Earl of Kellie
• Mary Erskine (died 1614), who married Dugald Campbell of Auchenbreck
• James Erskine, who married Marie Erskine in 1594. She was the daughter of Adam Erskine, Commendator of Cambuskenneth.
• George Erskine of Innerteil, whose daughter Mary Erskine married Sir John MacKenzie of Tarbat in 1629. Their son was George Mackenzie, 1st Earl of Cromartie.
• Jonet Erskine, who married two times. First to George Auchinleck of Balmanno (died 1596), who worked for Regent Morton. Second to John Leslie of Balquhain.
• Christian Erskine, who married Alexander Home of Manderston in 1579.

Genealogical table

See Also

• Stirling Castle
• James VI of Scotland