Alexander Livingston of Callendar facts for kids
Sir Alexander Livingston of Callendar was an important person in Scotland during the 1400s. He lived at the time of young King James II of Scotland and played a big role in the country's politics. He passed away in 1451.
Life of Sir Alexander Livingston
Sir Alexander Livingston was the son of Sir John Livingston of Callendar. His mother was Marjorie, whose father was Sir John Menteith of Kerse.
Livingston held powerful positions in Scotland. He was a Justiciar of Scotland, which meant he was a chief judge, helping to make sure laws were followed. He was also in charge of Stirling Castle for some time. This was very important because the young King James II was living there under his care.
During this period, Scotland had many powerful families who wanted more influence. Sir Alexander Livingston worked with another important leader, William Crichton, who was the King's chief advisor, known as the Lord Chancellor. They were involved in a famous event called the "Black Dinner" at Edinburgh Castle. This event was a big political move that changed who had power in Scotland. Later, Livingston even teamed up with the Douglas family, who were rivals of Crichton.
Family Life
Sir Alexander Livingston married a daughter of James or John Dundas. They had several children:
- James Livingston, 1st Lord Livingston (who died in 1467)
- Alexander Livingston of Phildes (who died in 1450)
- Janet Livingston, who married James Hamilton of Cadzow
- Elizabeth Livingston
In Books and Stories
Sir Alexander Livingston's part in Scottish history has been written about in books. You can find him as a character in Black Douglas by Nigel Tranter. He also appears in another book called Black Douglas by Samuel Rutherford Crockett, which was published in 1899.
