Alexander Lindsay, 4th Earl of Crawford facts for kids
Alexander Lindsay (1423–1453) was an important Scottish nobleman from a long time ago. He was known as the 4th Earl of Crawford. He lived in the north-east part of Scotland and was a very powerful leader in his time.
The Life of Alexander Lindsay
Alexander Lindsay was the son of David Lindsay, who was the 3rd Earl of Crawford. His mother was Marjory Ogilvie. She was the daughter of Sir Alexander Ogilvie of Auchterhouse.
Alexander Lindsay was known by two interesting nicknames: the Tiger Earl and Earl Beardie. He was one of the strongest and most influential nobles in Scotland. For a while, he was involved in a rebellion against King James II. This was part of a larger uprising led by the Clan Douglas.
In February 1452, King James II himself killed William Douglas, 8th Earl of Douglas at Stirling Castle. This happened because Douglas refused to end his alliance with Alexander Lindsay. The Tiger Earl's forces were defeated at the Battle of Brechin on May 18, 1452. After this defeat, Alexander Lindsay decided to surrender to King James II.
The king decided to be kind to Alexander Lindsay and forgave him. However, when the king had been angry, he had sworn an oath. He promised to make the highest stone on Finavon Castle become the lowest. To keep his promise, but still show mercy, the king climbed to the top of the castle. He then threw one loose stone from the castle walls down to the ground.
There is a famous legend about Alexander Lindsay. People say he is the "Earl Beardie" from one of the mysterious stories of Glamis Castle.
Family and Children
Alexander, Earl of Crawford, married Margaret Dunbar. She was the daughter of Sir David Dunbar of Cockburn. Together, they had several children:
- Lady Elizabeth Lindsay (died 1509), who married John Drummond, 1st Lord Drummond.
- David Lindsay, 1st Duke of Montrose (1440–1495).
- Alexander Lindsay, 7th Earl of Crawford (died 1517).
