Elizabeth Gordon, Heiress of Gordon facts for kids

Elizabeth Gordon, Heiress of Gordon (who passed away in 1439) was an important Scottish noblewoman. She was a baroness and the ancestor of the powerful Gordon family, including the Earls and Marquesses of Huntly.

Elizabeth's Early Life and Marriage

Elizabeth Gordon was the daughter of Adam de Gordon, Lord of Gordon. Her mother was Elizabeth Keith, whose father was William Keith, the Marischal of Scotland.

When her father died, Elizabeth was still very young. She became a "ward," meaning she was placed under the care of Walter Haliburton of Dirleton. In 1408, Sir William Seton bought the right to care for her. He paid 50 merks each year from the lands of Tranent.

Sir William first planned for Elizabeth to marry his oldest son, Sir John Seton. However, John preferred another woman. So, Elizabeth was instead married to Sir William's younger brother, Alexander Seton. Alexander had been a prisoner with the future King James I of Scotland in 1406.

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

Elizabeth and Alexander were married in 1408. Through this marriage, Alexander gained control of Elizabeth's lands, including Gordon and Huntly. This was officially confirmed to them in July 1408. It was common at the time for a woman to give up her lands to her husband. Elizabeth freely gave her lands to Parliament in Perth. A new document was then created. It stated that Alexander and Elizabeth would hold all the lands of Gordon and Huntly, along with other areas like Fogo, Faunes, Strathbogie, and Beldygordon. These lands would belong to them and their children.

Three years later, Alexander fought in the Battle of Harlaw. He was knighted sometime before 1419. In 1421–22, he traveled to France and visited King James of Scotland. Alexander Seton was one of the people who helped negotiate for the Scottish king's freedom. He even became a hostage in England for a year to help secure the king's release. After a year, he was allowed to return to his family in Scotland. In the same year, Alexander and Elizabeth were given ownership of more lands in the area of Drumblade. Around 1436, Alexander was given the title of Lord of Parliament, becoming Alexander Seton, Lord Gordon.

In 1428, Alexander and Elizabeth received a special permission, called a dispensation, from the Pope. This happened long after their marriage. It was found that they were related by blood, which was not allowed for marriage at the time. The dispensation stated that Alexander and Elizabeth had married "publicly, in accordance with all customs of the time."

Elizabeth passed away at Strathbogie on March 16, 1439. Alexander died shortly after, in 1440 or 1441. Elizabeth was buried at St. Nicholas Church in Aberdeen.

Elizabeth's Family and Legacy

Elizabeth Gordon and Alexander Seton had several children:

• Alexander Seton (died 1470): He took over from his parents. He changed his name to Gordon and became the first Earl of Huntly.
• William Seton (died 1452): He married Elizabeth, who was the daughter and heir of William Meldrum of Meldrum. William is the ancestor of the Setons of Meldrum family.
• 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).