Alexander Seton, Lord Gordon facts for kids

Alexander Seton, Lord Gordon (died 1440 or 1441) was an important Scottish nobleman. He was a Lord of Parliament, which meant he was a high-ranking member of the Scottish Parliament. Alexander was also the ancestor of the powerful Gordon family, who later became the Earls and Marquesses of Huntly.

A Young Prisoner

Alexander Seton was the second son of Sir William Seton of Seton and Janet Fleming. When he was young, something big happened. The King of Scotland, Robert III, sent his only son, Prince James, to France for safety. But on the way, English pirates captured their ship!

Prince James, who would later become James I of Scotland, was taken prisoner. Alexander Seton was with him and was also captured. They were handed over to King Henry IV of England.

Marriage and Lands

While Alexander was still a prisoner, his father, Sir William Seton, made a smart move. On March 7, 1408, he bought the "wardship" of a young noblewoman named Elizabeth Gordon, Heiress of Gordon. A wardship meant that Sir William became Elizabeth's guardian and could arrange her marriage. He paid for this right with a "liferent," which was a yearly payment from some land.

Sir William first planned for Elizabeth to marry his older son, John. But John said no. So, Elizabeth was then promised to Alexander, who had by this time been released by the English.

Elizabeth and Alexander got married in 1408. Through this marriage, Alexander gained control of important lands like Gordon and Huntly. This was officially confirmed to them on July 20, 1408. Elizabeth had to give up her lands to Parliament, and then a new document was created. This document gave all the lands of Gordon and Huntly to Alexander and Elizabeth and their future children.

Huntly Castle, originally called Strathbogie, was built by Sir Adam de Gordon, Elizabeth's father.

A Life of Service

Just three years after his marriage, Alexander fought in a major battle called the Battle of Harlaw. He was made a knight sometime before 1419.

In 1421 and 1422, Alexander traveled to France. There, he visited King James of Scotland, who was still a prisoner. Alexander Seton was one of the people who helped negotiate for the king's release. He even became a "hostage" for the king, meaning he stayed in England to guarantee the king's return. However, Alexander was released after a year and went back to his family in Scotland.

Around 1436, Alexander was given the important title of Lord of Parliament. This meant he was a high-ranking nobleman who could attend and vote in the Scottish Parliament.

In 1428, Alexander and Elizabeth received a special permission from the Pope. This was because it was found that they were related within "forbidden degrees of consanguinity." This means they were distant relatives, which was not allowed for marriage by the church at the time without special permission. The permission stated they had married "publicly in accordance with all customs of the time."

Elizabeth passed away before her husband on March 16, 1439, at Strathbogie. Alexander died a short time later, in 1440 or 1441.

Family Life

Alexander Seton married Elizabeth Gordon in 1408. She was the daughter of Adam de Gordon, Lord of Gordon, and Elizabeth Keith.

Alexander and Elizabeth had four children:

• Alexander Seton (died 1470): He took over from his parents. He later changed his name to Gordon and became the first Earl of Huntly.
• William Seton (died 1452): He married Elizabeth Meldrum. He was the ancestor of the Seton family of Meldrum.
• Henry Seton (died 1452): He was killed along with his brother William at the Battle of Brechin.
• Elizabeth Seton: She married Alexander of Islay, Earl of Ross (died 1449).