George Gordon, 1st Marquess of Huntly facts for kids

George Gordon, 1st Marquess of Huntly (1562–13 June 1636) was a powerful Scottish nobleman. He played a major role in Scotland's politics and military life. This was during the late 1500s and around the time Scotland and England joined under one king. This event is known as the Union of the Crowns.

George Gordon's Life Story

Early Life and Political Beginnings

George Gordon was the son of George Gordon, 5th Earl of Huntly. His mother was Anne Hamilton. He grew up and studied in France, where he was raised as a Roman Catholic.

He was involved in some important events early on. In 1581, he took part in a plan that led to the execution of James Douglas, 4th Earl of Morton. Later, in 1583, he helped save King James VI from a group called the Ruthven raiders.

In 1588, he signed a document supporting the Presbyterian faith. However, he secretly continued to be involved in plans for Spain to invade Scotland. King James VI often forgave Huntly. The king found powerful Catholic lords useful to balance the strong influence of the Kirk (the Scottish church).

Marriage and Growing Influence

Huntly married Henrietta Stewart on 21 July 1588. She was the daughter of Esmé Stewart, 1st Duke of Lennox. Their marriage had been planned since 1581. King James VI even wrote a special poem for their wedding celebration. This marriage helped Huntly gain more power and connections in Scotland. It also brought him closer to French Catholic influences.

Challenges and Conflicts

In April 1589, Huntly led a rebellion in the north of Scotland. He and his supporters met the king's forces near Aberdeen. Huntly had to surrender and was briefly held in Borthwick Castle. He was soon set free.

He then became involved in a conflict with the Grants and the Mackintoshes. These clans were supported by other powerful nobles. On 8 February 1592, Huntly's actions led to the death of the Earl of Moray at his castle in Donibristle. This event inspired a famous song called The Bonnie Earl O' Moray. After this, Huntly's enemies attacked his lands.

Later, secret letters were found that seemed to show Huntly was involved in a plot with Spain. He was accused of serious wrongdoing and was removed from the church in 1593. King James was very lenient with Huntly and other nobles involved. They were told to give up their Catholic faith or leave Scotland. When they refused, they lost their titles and lands.

Huntly then joined other nobles in a plan to challenge the king. They won a battle against the king's forces at Battle of Glenlivet in 1594. However, this victory did not help them much. The king destroyed Huntly's castle, Strathbogie. Huntly left Scotland around March 1595.

Return and Reconciliation

Huntly secretly returned to Scotland. At first, King James allowed him to stay. But because of strong public feelings and protests against Catholics in Edinburgh, the king demanded that Huntly either give up his Catholic faith or be permanently exiled. Huntly agreed to join the Kirk in June 1597. He got his lands back in December.

In 1599, King James made him a Marquess. This was a very high noble title. Huntly was also given important roles in the north of Scotland. He became friends again with Murray and Argyll. However, the Kirk still doubted if he had truly changed his faith.

Huntly faced more challenges. He was removed from the church again in 1608. He was held in Stirling Castle until 1610, when he signed the confession of faith once more.

Later Years and Final Days

In 1616, Huntly was again accused of secretly supporting the Roman Catholic Church. He was asked to sign the confession again, but this time he refused. He was imprisoned in Edinburgh. However, King James ordered his release in June. Huntly then traveled to London and was forgiven by the Archbishop of Canterbury. This forgiveness was later confirmed by the Kirk.

When King Charles I became king, Huntly lost some of his influence. In 1630, he lost important roles he held in Aberdeen and Inverness. That same year, a conflict broke out between the Crichtons and the Gordons. During this time, Huntly's second son, Lord Melgum, died in a fire at the home of James Crichton.

Huntly was held responsible for attacking the Crichtons' lands. He was called before the privy council in 1635 and imprisoned in Edinburgh Castle until June 1636. He left prison with poor health. George Gordon died in Dundee on 13 June 1636, while traveling home. Before he died, he stated that he was a Roman Catholic.

Family

George Gordon married Henrietta Stewart in 1588. They had several children:

• Anne Gordon, who married James Stuart, 3rd Earl of Moray.
• Elizabeth Gordon, who married Alexander Livingston, 2nd Earl of Linlithgow in 1611.
• Mary Gordon, who married William Douglas, 1st Marquess of Douglas.
• George Gordon, 2nd Marquess of Huntly
• Jean Gordon, who married Claud Hamilton, 2nd Baron Hamilton of Strabane
• John Gordon, Viscount of Melgum, who married Sophia Hay.