Alexander Seton (Governor of Berwick) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Alexander Seton
Lord Seton
Spouse(s)	Christian Cheyne

Sir Alexander Seton, also known as Alexander de Seton, was an important Scottish knight who lived from about 1311 to 1348. He was known for being the Governor, or leader, of the town of Berwick. This town was very important because it was on the border between Scotland and England.

Alexander Seton's Life and Role

Alexander Seton was a brave knight who played a part in Scottish history. He joined Edward Bruce's military campaign in Ireland in 1315. He also signed the famous Declaration of Arbroath in 1320. This document was a letter sent to the Pope. It stated that Scotland was an independent country and not under England's rule.

Leading Berwick-upon-Tweed

In 1327, Alexander Seton was chosen to be the leader of Berwick-upon-Tweed. This was a very important job. Berwick was a key town because of its location. It was often fought over by Scotland and England.

The Siege of Berwick in 1333

In 1333, Edward Balliol, who wanted to be King of Scotland, and his allies attacked Scotland. They quickly moved towards Berwick. The town was then put under a siege. This means it was surrounded by enemy forces.

During this time, Alexander Seton was the governor of Berwick. Patrick de Dunbar was in charge of defending the castle. After a long siege, an agreement was made. Berwick would surrender if it wasn't helped by a certain date. Alexander's son, Thomas Seton, was given as a hostage to ensure the agreement was kept.

A small group of Scottish soldiers managed to get into the town. The Scottish leader, Archibald Douglas, thought this meant the town had been "relieved." He told King Edward III to leave.

King Edward III disagreed. He believed the agreement was broken because the town had not fully surrendered. As a result, Thomas Seton, Alexander's son, was sadly executed. This happened where Alexander and his family could see it.

Berwick's Surrender and More Loss

Another agreement was made to protect the other hostages. Berwick finally surrendered after the Scottish army was defeated at the Battle of Halidon Hill on July 19, 1333. In the same month, Alexander faced another tragedy. His son William drowned during an attack on the English ships at Berwick. This also happened where Alexander could see it.

Alexander Seton was present when Berwick was given to the English in 1334. He continued to be involved in important events. He was a hostage for John, Earl of Moray in 1340.

Later Life and the Knights Hospitaller

After 1341, Alexander Seton joined the Knights Hospitaller. This was a religious and military order. He became the Master of Torphichen Preceptory in 1345. This meant he was in charge of the Knights Hospitaller's house there.

In 1346, Pope Clement VI gave him special permission for a confessor. In 1348, he was allowed to visit King David II, who was held in the Tower of London. Alexander Seton likely passed away shortly after this visit.

Family of Alexander Seton

Alexander Seton was married to Christian, who was the daughter of Francis le Cheyne. They had several children:

• Thomas, who was executed during the siege of Berwick in 1333.
• William, who drowned in July 1333 during an attack on English ships at Berwick.
• Margaret, who became the family's heiress. She married Alan de Wyntoun. Their children took the Seton family name.
• Alexander, who was killed in 1332 while fighting Edward Balliol at Kinghorn.
• John of Parbroath, who passed away around 1327.