George Hay, 7th Earl of Erroll facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Erroll
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Arms of the Earl of Erroll
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| 11th Lord High Constable of Scotland | |
| In office 1541–1573 |
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| Preceded by | William Hay |
| Succeeded by | Andrew Hay |
| Personal details | |
| Born | c. 1508 Errol, Perthshire, Scotland |
| Died | 30 January 1573 Perth, Perthshire |
| Spouses | Margaret Robertson Helen Bryson |
| Children | 11, including Andrew |
| Relatives | William Hay, 3rd Earl of Erroll (grandfather) |
George Hay, 7th Earl of Erroll (born around 1508 – died 1573) was an important Scottish nobleman and politician. He held the special title of Lord High Constable of Scotland, which was a very old and powerful position in the country. He lived during a time of big changes in Scotland, especially when Mary, Queen of Scots was on the throne.
Contents
About George Hay
Early Life and Family
George Hay was the grandson of William Hay, 3rd Earl of Erroll. His father, Thomas, and his older brother, William Hay, 4th Earl of Erroll, both died in a famous battle called the Battle of Flodden in 1513.
Becoming Earl of Erroll
In 1541, George's cousin, William Hay, 6th Earl of Erroll, passed away. This cousin was very young and only had a daughter. Because of this, George became the next Earl of Erroll. With this title, he also took on the important role of Lord High Constable of Scotland.
The family's special title had been held by the King for almost 20 years before George inherited it. Even though titles in Scotland could sometimes go to daughters, the King decided that George should become the Earl. George agreed to pay 4,000 merks (a type of coin) to the previous Earl's widow. He also promised that one of his sons would marry the previous Earl's daughter, Jean Hay.
Serving Mary, Queen of Scots
After King James V of Scotland died in 1542, his daughter, Mary, Queen of Scots, became queen when she was only six days old. George Hay was one of the nobles who agreed to support Mary's mother, Mary of Guise, as the person who would rule Scotland until Mary was old enough. This role was called the Regency.
In 1554, George Hay had a disagreement with his wife, Margaret Robertson. Mary of Guise tried to help them make up. Margaret wrote to Mary of Guise, saying that George had not given her back her living arrangements. She even suggested she might have to come live at court. George claimed his wife had supported "broken men," who were rebels who stole his things. But Margaret said she never wanted to harm him or their children. She sent their oldest son, Andrew, to explain her side of the story.
George Hay was also a member of the Privy Council of Scotland in 1561. This was a group of trusted advisors to the Queen. In 1569, he supported the Hamilton family, who were trying to help the captive Queen Mary. Even though he supported her, he did not lose his titles.
In April 1567, George Hay signed an agreement called Ainslie's Tavern Band. This agreement was about Mary, Queen of Scots, marrying the Earl of Bothwell.
George Hay passed away in 1573.
Family Life
Marriages and Children
In 1528, George Hay married Margaret Robertson. She was the daughter of Alexander Robertson, who was the 5th chief of Clan Donnachaidh. Together, they had nine children:
- Lady Elizabeth Hay (born 1531), who married Sir William Keith and then Cuthbert, baron Coulhart.
- Andrew Hay, 8th Earl of Erroll, who later married his cousin, Jean Hay.
- Lady Margaret Hay, who married Laurence Oliphant, 4th Lord Oliphant.
- John Hay of Muchall.
- Laurence Hay.
- George Hay of Ardlethen.
- Lady Beatrix Hay (born around 1560), who married William Hay of Delgatie.
- Thomas Hay, who was a parson (a type of priest) in Turriff.
- Alexander Hay.
In 1561, George Hay married Helen Bryson, who was the daughter of Walter Bryson. They had two more children:
- Eupham Hay (who likely died young).
