Alexander Livingstone, 1st Earl of Linlithgow facts for kids

Alexander Livingston, the 1st Earl of Linlithgow, was an important Scottish nobleman. He worked for the king and was involved in politics. His wife, Helenor Hay, was a royal tutor, meaning she helped teach the king's children. He passed away on December 24, 1621.

Early Life and Royal Connections

Alexander was the oldest son of William Livingston, the 6th Lord Livingston. His mother was Agnes Fleming. He had sisters, Jean and Margaret, who also married important people.

Alexander supported Mary, Queen of Scots. During a battle at Dumbarton Castle in 1571, he was captured. Luckily, he was set free not long after.

His father made peace with Regent Morton in 1574. This helped Alexander get out of some agreements related to Callendar House. In 1579, he joined King James VI of Scotland during a special parade into Edinburgh. The next year, he became a "gentleman of the king's bedchamber." This was a close and trusted position.

Alexander was part of the group that tried Regent Morton in 1581. He remained a strong supporter of Esmé Stewart, 1st Duke of Lennox. When the Duke had to leave Edinburgh in 1582, Alexander went with him. He was also involved in a plan to take Edinburgh. When the Duke left for France, Alexander went along. After the Duke's death, Alexander returned to Scotland. He was praised for quickly taking control of Stirling Castle in 1584.

Becoming Lord Livingston

Alexander became Lord Livingston in 1592 after his father passed away. He was appointed to a group that tried some Earls for treason in 1593. He also signed an agreement that pardoned them. In 1594, he became a commissioner for taxes. He was also chosen as a "lord of the articles," which meant he helped prepare laws.

At the special event for the baptism of Prince Henry in 1594, Livingston played a role. In 1596, he and his wife, Helen Livingston, were given the important job of caring for Princess Elizabeth. This caused some discussion because his wife was a Roman Catholic. In 1598, he became a member of the Scottish privy council. This council advised the king. In 1600, the town of Falkirk became a free town within his lands.

Earl of Linlithgow

On December 25, 1600, Alexander Livingston was given a new, higher title. He became the Earl of Linlithgow, Lord Livingston and Callendar. This happened during the baptism of Prince Charles.

He and Lady Livingston continued to look after Princess Elizabeth. They did this until King James moved to London in 1603. After the princess was returned to the king, an official act was passed. This act confirmed that they had done their duty well.

In 1604, the Earl was chosen to be one of the people working on a possible union between Scotland and England. In 1621, he voted against the Five Articles of Perth. These were rules about church practices.

Family Life

On January 26, 1583, Alexander married Lady Helen Hay. She was the oldest daughter of Andrew Hay, the 8th Earl of Erroll. Together, they had three sons and two daughters:

• John, who passed away young.
• Alexander Livingston, 2nd Earl of Linlithgow (died 1648). He married Lady Elizabeth Gordon.
• James Livingston, 1st Earl of Callendar (died around 1674). He married Hon. Margaret Seton.
• Anne Livingston (died 1632). She married Alexander Montgomerie, the 6th Earl of Eglinton.
• Margaret Livingston (died around 1651). She married John Fleming, the 2nd Earl of Wigtown.

Earl Linlithgow passed away on December 24, 1621, at Callendar House. His oldest living son inherited his titles.

See Also

• Livingston family

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