George Hay, 1st Earl of Kinnoull facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Kinnoull
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The Earl of Kinnoull,
painted by Adam de Colone, 1625 |
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| Lord Chancellor of Scotland | |
| In office 16 May 1622 – 16 December 1634 |
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| Monarch | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1570 |
| Died | 16 December 1634 (aged 64) London, England |
| Nationality | Scottish |
| Spouse |
Margaret Halyburton
(m. 1595) |
| Children | 3, including George |
George Hay, 1st Earl of Kinnoull (born 1570, died 16 December 1634) was an important Scottish nobleman and government official. He held several key roles, including Lord Chancellor of Scotland, which was like being the King's chief legal advisor and head of the justice system in Scotland.
Contents
Early Life and Education
George Hay was born in 1570. He was the second son of Peter Hay of Megginch and Margaret Ogilvy.
Around 1588, George went to study at the Scottish College, Douai in France. He learned there until 1596, guided by his uncle, Edmund Hay.
Starting His Career
George Hay was introduced to the royal court by his cousin, the Earl of Carlisle. From 1596, he worked as a Gentleman of the Bedchamber. This meant he was a close personal attendant to the King.
In 1598, he was given control of the Carthusian priory of Perth and a seat in Parliament. However, he found that the income from this was too low. So, he gave up the position.
Rising in Power
In 1600, King James VI gave George Hay some land. This was a reward for his help during the Gowrie conspiracy, a plot against the King.
He was knighted sometime before 1607, becoming "Sir George Hay." In 1616, he became the Lord Clerk Register. This important job involved keeping official records for the Scottish Parliament. He also joined the Privy Council, a group of advisors to the King.
George Hay played a big part in passing the Five Articles of Perth in 1618. These were rules about how the Scottish church should be run.
Key Roles and Titles
In 1619, the Privy Council of Scotland supported Hay's business interests. They wrote to King James, asking that Scottish glass and iron products could be sold in England without extra taxes.
On 9 July 1622, George Hay was given one of the most powerful jobs in Scotland. He became the Lord Chancellor and Keeper of the Great Seal. This meant he was in charge of the country's legal system and official documents.
In 1625, he attended the funeral of King James VI and I in London. He then became a member of King Charles I's Scottish Privy Council.
On 4 May 1627, he received new titles. He was made Viscount of Dupplin and Lord Hay of Kinfauns.
Earl of Kinnoull
On 25 May 1633, George Hay received his highest title. He was made the Earl of Kinnoull. This happened during King Charles I's coronation visit to Scotland.
He sometimes disagreed with the King. For example, he resisted some of the King's rules for judges. He also stood up for his own rank over the Archbishop of St Andrews.
Later Life and Death
By 1626, George Hay began to suffer from poor health, including severe gout. His illness was noted again in 1628.
He died in London on 16 December 1634 from apoplexy, which is like a stroke. He was buried in Kinnoull Parish Church in Scotland. A special monument was built there to honor him.
Family Life
George Hay married Margaret Halyburton on 15 November 1595. She was the daughter of Sir James Halyburton. They had three children together:
- Sir Peter Hay (died in 1621 before his father)
- George Hay (who later became the 2nd Earl)
- Lady Margaret, who married Alexander Lindsay, 2nd Lord Spynie
