George Hay, 3rd Earl of Kinnoull facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Kinnoull
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Coat of arms of the Earls of Kinnoull
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| Died | c. 1650 Kirkland, Orkney |
| Nationality | Scottish |
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George Hay, 3rd Earl of Kinnoull (died 1650) was a Scottish nobleman and soldier. He lived during a time of great change in Scotland and England. He was a strong supporter of King Charles I. This was during the period known as the English Civil War. He died around the year 1650.
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Early Life and Supporting the King
George Hay was the oldest son of George Hay, 2nd Earl of Kinnoull. His mother was Ann Douglas. She was the daughter of William Douglas, 7th Earl of Morton. We do not know his exact birth date. His parents married in 1622. He became the Earl of Kinnoull in 1644.
George Hay was a loyal supporter of King Charles I. He joined the King's side during the English Civil War. This war was fought between the King and Parliament. He followed a famous military leader named James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose. Montrose was known for his clever battle plans.
Travels and Royal Missions
George Hay was with Montrose at Crathes Castle in 1644. This was after the Battle of Tippermuir. He then traveled to France. His cousin, the Earl of Carlisle, helped him there.
Later, he traveled further north. A letter from Elizabeth Stuart, Queen of Bohemia, mentions him in 1649. She wrote about walking and shooting with him. This shows he was active and well-connected.
Return to Scotland and Orkney
Kinnoull likely returned to Scotland soon after. In September 1649, he arrived in Orkney. He brought about 100 Danish soldiers and 80 officers. Their goal was to train the islanders. They were preparing to help Montrose.
Kinnoull sent an excited letter to Montrose. He wrote that people were eagerly waiting for Montrose. He stayed with his uncle, Robert Douglas, 8th Earl of Morton. His uncle owned a lot of land in Orkney.
A ship arrived the next day. It carried weapons and supplies. These were meant for another group in the Highlands.
Challenges in Orkney
The Committee of Estates tried to stop Montrose's supporters. Their leader, David Leslie, 1st Lord Newark, went north. But he could not cross the sea to Orkney. This meant Orkney was a safe place for the King's supporters.
Sadly, Kinnoull's uncle, the Earl of Morton, died in November 1649. Some believed Morton was upset with Kinnoull. He felt Kinnoull had received important tasks that he deserved. However, other historians think they were on good terms. Kinnoull himself wrote that he gave his uncle some of the important tasks. This showed his respect for his uncle.
Death and Legacy
George Hay, 3rd Earl of Kinnoull, died shortly after his uncle. The exact date of his death is not clear. Several people wrote about his passing.
Captain John Gwynne wrote that Kinnoull became sick. He died at Bursay, his uncle's home. Gwynne said his death was greatly missed. He described Kinnoull as truly honorable and loyal.
Charles Gordon, 1st Earl of Aboyne, also wrote about his death. He noted that Kinnoull died a few days after his uncle. A diarist named John Lamont recorded Kinnoull's death in March 1650. This might be when Lamont heard the news.
Excommunication
Even after his reported death, some believed he was still alive. On February 21, 1650, the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland took action. They excommunicated George, Earl of Kinnoull, and others. Excommunication meant they were no longer allowed to be part of the church. This was because they had invaded Orkney. They were also accused of going against the Solemn League and Covenant.
George Hay died unmarried. His younger brother, William, became the next Earl of Kinnoull.
