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Earldom of Gowrie
Coronet of a British Earl.svg
Arms of the Earl of Gowrie
Paly of six argent and gules
Creation date 8 January 1945 (2nd creation)
Monarch King George VI
Peerage Peerage of the United Kingdom
First holder Alexander Hore-Ruthven, 1st Earl of Gowrie
Present holder Brer Ruthven, 3rd Earl of Gowrie
Heir apparent Heathcote Ruthven, Viscount Ruthven of Canberra
Remainder to the 1st Earl's heirs male
Subsidiary titles Viscount Ruthven of Canberra
Baron Ruthven of Gowrie
Baron Gowrie
Motto Deid schaw ("Show a deed")

The Earl of Gowrie is a special title that has been created twice in history. Both times, it was given to members of the Ruthven family. The title gets its name from Gowrie, an old region in Scotland.

The first time the title was created was on August 23, 1581. William Ruthven, who was the 4th Lord Ruthven, became the Earl of Gowrie. This was done by King James VI of Scotland. However, William lost his title and lands in 1584. Two years later, his son got the title back. But the title was lost again in 1600 after a suspected plot involving the third Earl.

The Ruthven Family's Early History

The Ruthven family's story goes back a long way. It started with Sir William Ruthven. He was given the title Lord Ruthven in Scotland in 1488.

Sir William's son, William Ruthven, died in a big battle called the Battle of Flodden in 1513. Sir William himself passed away in 1528. His grandson, William, became the second Lord Ruthven. This William held important government jobs in Scotland.

After him, his son, Patrick, became the third Lord Ruthven. Patrick was involved in a famous event where David Rizzio was killed. After this, he had to leave Scotland and went to England, where he died in 1566. His son, William, was the fourth Lord Ruthven. This is the same William who became the first Earl of Gowrie in 1581.

The Gowrie Title Returns

Many years later, the Gowrie title was created again. This time, it was for a different branch of the Ruthven family. Thomas Ruthven was given the title Lord Ruthven of Freeland in 1651.

Later, one of his descendants, Walter Hore-Ruthven, was given another title: Baron Ruthven of Gowrie in 1919. This was a new type of title in the Peerage of the United Kingdom.

His son, Walter, became the next Lord Ruthven of Freeland. He was a major general in the British Army. When he died in 1956, his daughter inherited the Scottish title. But the Baron Ruthven of Gowrie title (which only passes through male family members) went to his great-nephew, Grey Ruthven, 2nd Earl of Gowrie.

The Second Earls of Gowrie

This great-nephew, Grey Ruthven, was the grandson of Alexander Hore-Ruthven. Alexander was a very important person. He served as the Governor-General of Australia from 1936 to 1945.

In 1935, Alexander Hore-Ruthven was given the title Baron Gowrie. Then, in 1945, he received even higher honors. He was made Viscount Ruthven of Canberra and Earl of Gowrie. This brought the old Gowrie earldom back to the family.

Alexander's grandson, Grey Ruthven, became the second Earl in 1955. He was a well-known politician. He worked in the government under Margaret Thatcher in the 1980s. However, after a new law in 1999, he lost his automatic seat in the House of Lords.

As of 2021, Grey's son, the 3rd Earl, holds the titles. He is also considered the leader of the Clan Ruthven.

Other Notable Ruthven Family Members

Some other members of the Ruthven family have also been important. Alexander Ruthven, a younger son of the first Earl (from the first creation), was involved in the 1600 Gowrie plot and faced serious consequences.

Patrick Ruthven, 1st Earl of Brentford, was another family member who became an Earl. Sir John Ruthven, his nephew, was a Major-General in the Swedish Army. His son, Francis Ruthven, was made a Baronet in 1666.

The Honourable Malise Ruthven, who is the younger brother of the second Earl of Gowrie (from the second creation), is a well-known writer and historian.

What Do the Gowrie Coats of Arms Look Like?

A coat of arms is a special design that represents a family or a title.

The coat of arms for the first Gowrie earldom (created in 1581) had a shield divided into four parts. It featured red and silver stripes, gold and red stripes, and gold with three blue diamond shapes. All of this was surrounded by a gold border with red flower-like shapes.

The coat of arms for the Earl of Gowrie (created in 1945) is simpler. It has six vertical stripes, alternating silver and red. Above the shield, there's a black ram's head with gold horns. On either side of the shield, there are two animals supporting it: a black ram and a black goat, both wearing a special gold crown and chain. The family motto is Deid Shaw, which means "Show a deed."

Lords Ruthven (Created 1488)

Earls of Gowrie (First Creation: 1581)

Earls of Gowrie (Second Creation: 1945)

Who is the Current Earl of Gowrie?

Patrick Leo Brer Hore-Ruthven, the 3rd Earl of Gowrie, was born on February 4, 1964. He is the son of the 2nd Earl and Alexandra Bingley. From birth, he was known as Viscount Ruthven of Canberra.

In February 1990, he married Julie Goldsmith. They have a son named Heathcote Patrick Cornelius Hore-Ruthven. Heathcote was born in 1990 and is the next in line to inherit the titles.

On September 24, 2021, Patrick became the Earl of Gowrie. He also inherited the titles of Viscount Ruthven of Canberra, Baron Ruthven of Gowrie, and Baron Gowrie of Canberra.

Who is Next in Line?

* (1) Heathcote Patrick Cornelius Hore-Ruthven, Viscount Ruthven of Canberra (b. 1990)

      • (2) Malise Walter Maitland Knox Hore-Ruthven (b. 1942)

See Also

Images for kids

  • Ruthven-Cameron-Halyburton arms

    Arms of the Earls of Gowrie (first creation)

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