Alexander Gordon, Master of Sutherland facts for kids
Alexander Gordon, Master of Sutherland (born around 1505 – died 1530) was an important Scottish nobleman. He became the Earl of Sutherland in 1527.
Early Life
Alexander Gordon was the son of Adam Gordon of Aboyne and Elizabeth Sutherland, 10th Countess of Sutherland. His mother, Elizabeth, was a powerful noblewoman who inherited the title of Countess of Sutherland.
Managing the Sutherland Lands
Alexander Gordon helped manage the large lands of Sutherland. During his time, there were some disagreements and conflicts with other clans, like the Clan Mackay.
Some historians have different ideas about these events. For example, Sir Robert Gordon, 1st Baronet, a historian from the 1600s, wrote that the Mackays were defeated many times in battles. However, later historians like Angus Mackay and Sir William Fraser found evidence that some of Sir Robert Gordon's stories might not be fully accurate. They suggest that some battles, like the Battle of Torran Dubh, involved different clans than Sir Robert Gordon described.
Despite these conflicts, there were also times of peace. In 1518, the Mackays and Alexander's father, Adam Gordon, agreed to a "bond of friendship." This was like a peace treaty, promising to be allies. Later, when Alexander became Master of Sutherland, this bond was renewed with him.
In 1529, William Sutherland, 6th of Duffus, who was a local landowner, made a special agreement with Alexander Gordon. This agreement was called a "bond of manrent." It meant that William Sutherland promised to be loyal and serve Alexander Gordon as his tenant. If he broke this promise, he would have to pay a large fine.
Around November 1527, Alexander's parents decided to pass the title of Earl of Sutherland to him. This was possibly connected to Alexander's marriage to Janet Stewart, Lady Ruthven. A special royal document, called a crown charter, confirmed this in December. Alexander, now the Earl of Sutherland, lived at Dunrobin Castle. Sadly, he passed away there on January 13, 1530.
Royal Charter
The royal charter that made Alexander the Earl of Sutherland was issued on December 1, 1527. It officially gave him the Earldom of Sutherland, including Dunrobin Castle, all its lands, tenants, mills, and fishing rights. However, his parents kept some rights to the lands during their lifetimes. Because Alexander died before his parents, he did not get to fully enjoy being the Earl for a long time.
Family
Alexander Gordon and his wife, Janet Stewart, had several children:
- John Gordon, 11th Earl of Sutherland
- Alexander Gordon (of Kintessock)
- William Gordon
- Janet Gordon, who married Patrick Dunbar of Westfield and Cumnock
- Beatrice Gordon, who married William Sinclair of Dunbeath
See Also
