Alexander Gordon, 1st Earl of Huntly facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Huntly
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Coat of arms of the Earls of Huntly
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| Died | 15 July 1470 Huntly |
| Spouses | Egidia Hay Elizabeth Crichton |
| Children | 11 |
| Parents | Alexander Seton, Lord Gordon Elizabeth Gordon, Heiress of Gordon |
Alexander Seton, 1st Earl of Huntly (died 15 July 1470), was a very powerful Scottish leader in the 1400s. He later changed his family name to Gordon around 1457. He was made a knight in 1439 or 1440. He also held important titles like Lord of Badenoch, Gordon, Strathbogie, and Cluny.
Contents
Life of a Scottish Leader
Early Life and Royal Connections
Alexander was the son of Alexander Seton, Lord Gordon and Elizabeth Gordon, Heiress of Gordon. His mother, Elizabeth, was the heir to a large family estate. In 1435, Alexander traveled to France. He went with Princess Margaret of Scotland. She was going to marry the future King Louis XI of France.
Around 1439 or 1440, he was known as Sir Alexander Seton of Tullibody. He was recognized as the heir to his mother's lands.
Becoming Lord Gordon and Earl of Huntly
Before April 1441, Alexander became Lord Gordon after his father passed away. He then gave his lands back to the king. In return, the king gave him and his wife Elizabeth a special charter. This charter gave them control of several lordships. These included Gordon, Strathbogie, Aboyne, Glentanner, Glenmuick, and Panbride. They would hold these lands for their lifetime. Their son, George Gordon, would inherit them after them.
In 1449, King James II made Alexander a noble. He became the first Earl of Huntly. This happened before July 3 of that year.
Challenges and Battles
Alexander was involved in many conflicts during his time. He fought against powerful families like the Douglases and the Lindsays. He also faced challenges from the Lords of the Isles. He was a close supporter of William Crichton, who was the Chancellor of Scotland.
In 1451, the king gave him the lordship of Badenoch and Ruthven Castle. Alexander supported the King against the Douglases. He won a major victory against the Crawfords at the Battle of Brechin on May 18, 1452.
Around 1457, Alexander decided to adopt the family name of Gordon. He passed away on July 15, 1470, at Huntly Castle. He was buried in Elgin Cathedral.
Family Life
First Marriage and Children
Alexander Gordon first married Egidia Hay around January 8, 1426. She was the daughter of John Hay of Tullibody. They had one son together:
- Alexander Seton: He inherited his mother's lands. His descendants became the Setons of Touch and Abercorn.
Second Marriage and More Children
In 1438, Alexander's first marriage was ended. This allowed him to marry Elizabeth Crichton. She was the daughter of William Crichton, the Chancellor of Scotland. Alexander and Elizabeth had several children:
- George Gordon, 2nd Earl of Huntly: He became the second Earl of Huntly and inherited his father's lands.
- Sir Alexander Gordon of Midmar: He later became known as Alexander of Abergeldie. He married Beatrix Hay.
- Adam Gordon: He became the Dean of Caithness.
- William Gordon
- Margaret Gordon: She was supposed to marry Nicholas Hay, 2nd Earl of Erroll. However, she did not, and her sister Elizabeth married him instead.
- Elizabeth Gordon (died 17 April 1500): She married Nicholas Hay, 2nd Earl of Erroll. After his death, she married John Kennedy, 2nd Lord Kennedy.
- Christian Gordon: She married William Forbes, 3rd Lord Forbes, on July 8, 1468.
- Lady Catherine Gordon: She was planned to marry Archibald in 1461, but the marriage did not happen.
Other Children
Alexander Gordon also had two other children with a woman known as 'the Fair Maid of Moray'. Some records suggest they had a marriage contract. Their children were:
- Janet (died 1470–1473): She married James Innes of Innes.
- Margaret (died around 1506): She married Hew Rose, 6th Lord of Kilravock, in 1484.
See Also
