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Alexander Livingston, 5th Lord Livingston facts for kids

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Alexander Livingston, 5th Lord Livingston of Callandar, was an important Scottish nobleman. He is best known for being the guardian of Mary, Queen of Scots, when she was a child. He was also a trusted advisor, known as a Privy Councillor. He lived from about c. 1500 to 1553.

Alexander Livingston's Early Life

Alexander Livingston was born around 1500 in Callendar, Stirling, Scotland. He was the oldest son of William Livingston, 4th Lord Livingston, and Agnes Hepburn. When his father passed away around 1518, Alexander took over the title of Lord Livingston.

He had several brothers and sisters. His younger brother, William Livingston, was the Captain of the Royal Castle of Kirkwall. His younger sister, Margaret Livingston, married John Hay, 4th Lord Hay of Yester.

His Important Career

In 1522, Alexander Livingston was a leader in the Scottish army fighting against England. Later, in 1542, he became an Extraordinary Lord of Session, which meant he was a special judge.

Guardian of Mary, Queen of Scots

One of his most important jobs was being one of the eight Lord Keepers for Mary, Queen of Scots, when she was a baby. Around 1543, Lord Livingston became a main guardian for Queen Mary. He was paid to look after the young queen at Linlithgow Palace. After that, she moved to Stirling Castle in July 1543, and he continued to be her keeper there.

In 1545, he became a Privy Councillor. This meant he was a close advisor to the Scottish monarch.

Journey to France

When Queen Mary traveled to France in 1548, Alexander Livingston went with her. She was going to marry the Dauphin, Francis II, who was the son of the King of France. Lord Livingston stayed in France until he passed away.

His Family Life

Alexander Livingston was married three times. His first wife was Janet Stewart. After she passed away, he married Lady Agnes Douglas. They had eight children together, including:

After Lady Agnes Douglas died, he married for a third time to Jeanne de Piédefer. She was a Maid of Honour to Mary of Guise, who was Mary, Queen of Scots's mother.

Lord Livingston passed away sometime between 1549 and 1551.

Jeanne de Piédefer, Lady Livingston

After Lord Livingston died, his widow, Jeanne de Piédefer, continued to be an important figure. She later married Pierre de Joisel, who was also connected to Mary of Guise and Mary, Queen of Scots.

Jeanne and Pierre returned to France in 1559. They had several children there. However, they later came back to Scotland and England to serve Mary, Queen of Scots. Jeanne joined Queen Mary at Bolton Castle in 1568, bringing her servants with her.

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