George Gordon, 5th Earl of Huntly facts for kids

George Gordon, 5th Earl of Huntly (died 19 October 1576), was an important Scottish nobleman. He served as Lord Chancellor of Scotland. He was involved in many key events during the reign of Mary, Queen of Scots.

Early Life and Challenges

George Gordon was the second son of the 4th Earl of Huntly. From 1556, he worked as the Sheriff of Inverness. He also served as Captain of Badenoch. In this role, he helped carry important letters. These letters went from Edinburgh to Mary of Guise in Inverness.

In 1562, Mary, Queen of Scots traveled north. She wanted to reduce the power of the Gordon family. She also aimed to take Inverness Castle. During this time, George's father, the 4th Earl, was captured. This happened at the battle of Corrichie. George and his brothers, John and Adam, were also captured. Sadly, the 4th Earl died suddenly. John, the oldest brother, was executed a few days later. George, known as Lord Gordon, was sent to prison. He was held at Kinneil House.

Imprisonment and Release

In 1563, George faced serious charges. He was sentenced to death for treason. He was then imprisoned at Dunbar Castle. He remained there until 1565. That year, Queen Mary married Lord Darnley. During a rebellion against Mary, called the Chaseabout Raid, his titles were given back to him. This was done to ensure he would be loyal to the Queen.

Political Influence and Alliances

George Gordon became a close ally of James Hepburn, 4th Earl of Bothwell. Bothwell was married to George's sister, Jean. After the murder of David Rizzio in 1566, George joined Queen Mary at Dunbar.

In 1567, he became Lord Chancellor of Scotland. This was a very important position. He was involved in plans concerning the Regent Moray. He also signed a document at Craigmillar Castle related to Lord Darnley. He visited Darnley with Bothwell and Mary before Darnley's death.

Restoration and Royal Connections

After Bothwell was cleared of charges in 1567, George's family lands were fully returned. He helped his sister get a divorce from Bothwell. He also witnessed the marriage agreement between Mary and Bothwell. He was involved in the events surrounding the Queen's capture. He went with her to Edinburgh. Later, he escaped to the north.

He joined supporters of the Queen at Dumbarton Castle. He made a temporary agreement with Regent Moray. However, he soon worked to help the Queen escape from Lochleven Castle in 1567. After the Queen went to England in 1568, he controlled the north of Scotland. He worked with Argyll. But then, Mary ordered them to stop their actions.

Later Years and Agreements

Huntly made an agreement with Regent Moray in 1569. This happened at St Andrews. Huntly agreed to settle his disagreements with the Earl of Morton. He also promised to stop rebellions among his former allies. He agreed to return a royal cannon kept at Huntly Castle. In return, Regent Moray forgave Huntly and his followers for their past actions. This included his role as a leader for the Queen.

Continued Conflict

After this agreement, the Marian civil war continued. Huntly took control of Edinburgh Castle. He held a parliament there. He also captured Regent Lennox at Stirling. His brother, Adam Gordon of Auchindoun, was his main helper in the north. Adam fought for Queen Mary in Aberdeenshire.

Huntly also lent money to William Kirkcaldy of Grange. Kirkcaldy was in charge of the soldiers at Edinburgh Castle. In return for the money, Kirkcaldy gave Huntly some of Queen Mary's jewelry. One piece was a gold decoration for the Queen's hair. It had rubies, diamonds, and pearls. This piece was later returned to Regent Morton in 1573.

Final Years

In 1572, the Earl reached an agreement with Regent Morton. He spent a few days with Morton at Dalkeith Palace in 1574.

George Gordon died at Strathbogie in 1576. An eyewitness wrote about his death. He said the Earl had a stroke or got sick from food poisoning. This happened while he was playing football. After he died, some strange things were said to have happened. A servant suddenly collapsed. Three friends also collapsed and felt cold when they woke up. His brother heard unexplained sounds from the Earl's room after his body was taken to the chapel.

Family Life

George Gordon married Anne. She was the daughter of James Hamilton, Duke of Châtellerault.

Their children included:

• Jean Gordon, who married George Sinclair, 5th Earl of Caithness.
• George Gordon, 6th Earl of Huntly.
• Alexander Gordon (died January 1622), who married Lady Agnes Sinclair.
• William Gordon, who became a monk.