Alexander Seton, 1st Viscount of Kingston facts for kids
Sir Alexander Seton, 1st Viscount of Kingston (born March 13, 1620 – died October 21, 1691) was a very important person in Scottish history. He was a "Cavalier," which means he was a strong supporter of King Charles II. In fact, he was the first person King Charles II honored with a special title after becoming king.
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His Family Background
Alexander was the son of George Seton, 3rd Earl of Winton and Anna Hay. His mother, Anna, was the daughter of Francis Hay, 9th Earl of Erroll.
Knighted as a Boy
When Alexander was just twelve years old, something amazing happened! King Charles I visited Seton Palace. Alexander, even at such a young age, gave a speech in Latin to the King right at the palace gates. The King was so impressed that he made Alexander a knight on the spot! King Charles I even told him, "Now, Sir Alexander, make sure this doesn't stop you from studying; you seem like you'll be a great scholar."
A Tough Decision
After traveling to other countries, Sir Alexander came back home in 1640. But in 1643, he faced a big problem. He refused to sign something called the "Covenant." This was a religious and political agreement that many people in Scotland were signing. Because he wouldn't sign it, he was "excommunicated" in Tranent Church. This meant he was officially kicked out of the church, and he had to escape to France for safety.
A Loyal Cavalier
When Sir Alexander returned to Scotland, King Charles II trusted him with important government tasks. On February 14, 1651, the King gave him the special title of Viscount of Kingston. This title was named after a village called Kingston near North Berwick.
On the very day he received his title, Sir Alexander was bravely defending Tantallon Castle. He and his small group of soldiers were fighting against Oliver Cromwell's army, who were attacking the castle. After twelve days of heavy fighting with "great cannons," Sir Alexander and his men had to give up. But because they fought so bravely, Cromwell's army allowed them to leave safely.
Later, in 1668, Lord Kingston was chosen by the King to lead the local army in Haddingtonshire.
His Marriages
Lord Kingston was married four times during his life.
His first wife was Jean Fletcher. They had one daughter named Ann, who was born in 1651.
His second wife was Elizabeth Douglas. They had several children together, including:
- Charles Seton
- Archibald Seton, 2nd Viscount of Kingston (who became the next Viscount)
- James Seton, 3rd Viscount of Kingston (who became the third Viscount)
After Elizabeth passed away, Lord Kingston married Elizabeth Hamilton. Then, after her death, he married Lady Margaret Douglas. He did not have any children with his last two wives.
His Burial Place
Lord Kingston was buried on October 25, 1691, in the church of Whittingehame in Haddingtonshire.
His Writings
Lord Kingston also wrote a book about his family's history. It was a continuation of a history that another family member, Sir Richard Maitland, had started a century earlier.
Images for kids
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Sir Alexander Seton, 1st Viscount of Kingston
