Alexander Livingston, 2nd Earl of Linlithgow facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Linlithgow
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|---|---|
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Alexander Livingston
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| Died | 1648 |
| Spouses |
Lady Elizabeth Gordon
(m. 1611; Lady Mary Douglas
(after 1620) |
| Children | 4, including George |
| Parents | Alexander Livingstone, 1st Earl of Linlithgow Lady Helen Hay |
| Relatives | James Livingston, 1st Earl of Callendar (brother) Anne Livingstone (sister) |
Alexander Livingston, 2nd Earl of Linlithgow (died 1648) was an important Scottish nobleman. He held several significant positions in the government and was a member of the Privy Council of Scotland, a group of trusted advisors to the King.
Growing Up
Alexander Livingston was the oldest surviving son of Alexander Livingstone, 1st Earl of Linlithgow and Lady Helen Hay. His mother was born around 1552 and passed away in 1627.
He had several brothers and sisters. One of his brothers was James Livingston, 1st Earl of Callendar. His sister, Anne Livingston, married a nobleman named Alexander Montgomerie, 6th Earl of Eglinton. Another sister, Margaret Livingston, married John Fleming, 2nd Earl of Wigtown.
His family was well-connected to other important Scottish families. His grandparents were William Livingstone, 6th Lord Livingston and Agnes Fleming.
His Important Roles
Alexander Livingston started his career in 1609 or 1610 as an Extraordinary Lord of Session. This meant he was a special judge in Scotland's highest court.
When his father passed away in 1621, Alexander became the 2nd Earl of Linlithgow. He also inherited the special role of being the hereditary Constable of Linlithgow Palace starting in 1627. This meant he was in charge of the palace.
In 1623 or 1624, he became a Privy Councillor. This was a very important position, advising the King on matters of state. In 1627, he even served as the Lord High Admiral of Scotland. This role put him in charge of Scotland's navy, especially during the time when James Stewart, 4th Duke of Lennox was still a child.
He was also involved in setting up new settlements. In 1631, he was a commissioner for the "plantations" in Nova Scotia. These were early attempts to establish Scottish colonies in North America. In 1640, he served as a Lieutenant and Commissioner in the County of Stirling, helping to govern that area.
An interesting fact about his career is that in 1628, he received a special permission from the Privy Council of Scotland. This permission allowed him to make gunpowder.
Family Life
Alexander Livingston was married twice. His first marriage was on May 4, 1611, to Lady Elizabeth Gordon. She was the daughter of George Gordon, 1st Marquess of Huntly.
Together, Alexander and Elizabeth had a son:
- George Livingston, 3rd Earl of Linlithgow (1616–1690). George later married Lady Elizabeth Lyon.
Sadly, Lady Elizabeth Gordon passed away in July 1616.
Alexander married again on October 17, 1620, to Lady Mary Douglas. She was the daughter of William Douglas, 10th Earl of Angus.
With Lady Mary, Alexander had more children:
- Alexander Livingston, 2nd Earl of Callendar (died 1685). He married Lady Elizabeth Hamilton.
- Lady Margaret Livingston (died 1674). She married three times. Her first husband was Thomas Nicolson of Carnock. After he passed away, she married Sir George Stirling in 1666. After his death, she married Sir John Stirling in 1668.
- Lady Eleanor Livingston. She never married.
Alexander Livingston, the 2nd Earl of Linlithgow, passed away sometime between June and December of 1648. His oldest son, George, then took over his titles and responsibilities.
