Alexander Stewart (archbishop of St Andrews) facts for kids
Alexander Stewart (born around 1493 – died September 9, 1513) was a son of James IV of Scotland, the King of Scotland. His mother was Marion Boyd. Alexander was the King's oldest child born outside of marriage. He had a full sister named Catherine Stewart. He also had several half-siblings, including the future King James V.
His Family
Alexander Stewart's mother was Marion Boyd. Her father was Archibald Boyd of Bonshaw. Marion's aunt, Elizabeth Boyd, was married to Archibald Douglas, 5th Earl of Angus. Archibald Douglas was a very important person. He was the Lord Chancellor of Scotland from 1493 to 1498. He encouraged the relationship between his niece Marion and the young King James IV. Alexander and his sister Catherine Stewart were the children of James IV and Marion Boyd. Catherine later married James Douglas, 3rd Earl of Morton.
Life in the Church
From a very young age, Alexander was prepared for a life in the church. When he was only four years old, Pope Julius II gave special permission for him to join the church. This was needed because he was born outside of marriage. By September 1502, he was an archdeacon. When his uncle, James, Duke of Ross, died in 1504, King James IV chose Alexander to be the new Archbishop of St Andrews. Alexander was only 11 years old at this time. Because he was so young, his father the King could receive the money from the church in St Andrews until Alexander turned 27.
His Amazing Education
Alexander received an excellent education. His first teacher was James Watson, who later became a dean at St Andrews University. Later, Patrick Paniter taught him, and they seemed to be very close. In 1507, Alexander Stewart traveled to France on a royal ship called the Treasurer. His education continued with long trips to the Low Countries and Italy in 1507. In Padua, Italy, he studied rhetoric (the art of speaking and writing well) and Greek. His teacher there was a famous scholar named Erasmus. Erasmus wrote a very touching message after Alexander died. He remembered their time in Siena, where Alexander would play music after studying. He played the monochord, recorder, or lute in the afternoons. Alexander returned to Scotland in 1510. At the age of 17, he became the Lord Chancellor of Scotland, a very important government role.
Later Life and Legacy
It is said that Alexander was very short-sighted. This might have been from studying a lot in poor light. In 1511, he helped start St Leonard's College in St Andrews. The chapel of this college is still standing today. A special gateway with his family's coat of arms can also still be seen in St Andrews. Alexander was killed along with his father, King James IV, at the Battle of Flodden in 1513.
