Alexander Stuart, 5th Lord Blantyre facts for kids

Alexander Stuart, 5th Lord Blantyre (also known as Stewart) was a Scottish nobleman, a soldier, and a politician. He lived in the late 1600s and early 1700s, passing away in 1704.

About Alexander Stuart

Alexander Stuart was the son of Alexander Stewart, 4th Lord Blantyre. His mother was Margaret, daughter of John Shaw of Greenock.

His Role in the Glorious Revolution

During a big change in British history called the Glorious Revolution, Alexander Stuart showed his loyalty. He gathered a group of soldiers to support King William. His soldiers were stationed in Stirling. This was happening when another general, Hugh Mackay, was camped at Killiecrankie. Because of his strong support, King William gave him a special payment.

His Time in Parliament

Lord Blantyre was also involved in Scottish politics. In 1702, he was one of the people who disagreed with a meeting of the Scottish Parliament. He and others left the meeting in protest. They sent Lord Blantyre to speak with Anne, Queen of Great Britain. The Queen did not accept their protest. However, she did allow Lord Blantyre to meet with her.

In 1703, Lord Blantyre officially joined the Scottish Parliament. He took an oath and began his duties on July 9. A month later, on August 11, a complaint was made against him. He was accused of calling the main leader of the Parliament "a base and impudent liar."

While the Parliament was discussing this, Lord Blantyre entered the room. He agreed to be taken into custody. He was then placed under arrest in his own room. Two days later, on August 13, a letter from him was read. In it, he asked for forgiveness from the Parliament and its leader.

Everyone agreed that he should apologize on his knees and pay a fine. But when he was called in, the leader of the Parliament said he didn't have to kneel. Lord Blantyre promised to follow the rest of the punishment. After that, he was allowed to leave and return to his seat in Parliament.

Lord Blantyre passed away on June 20, 1704.

His Family Life

Alexander Stuart was married twice. His first wife was Margaret, the eldest daughter of Sir John Henderson of Fordel, Fife. They did not have any children together.

His second wife was Anne. She was the daughter of Sir Robert Hamilton, Lord Pressmennan. Anne was also the sister of John Hamilton, 2nd Lord Belhaven and Stenton. With Anne, Lord Blantyre had nine children: five sons and four daughters.

• Walter (died 1713), who became the sixth Lord Blantyre after his father.
• Robert (died 1743), who became the seventh Lord Blantyre.
• John
• James
• Hugh
• Marion, who married James Stirling of Keir.
• Frances, who married Sir James Hamilton of Rosehall.
• Helen, who married John Gray, 11th Lord Gray.
• Anne, who married Alexander Hay of Drummelzie.