George Leslie, 4th Earl of Rothes facts for kids

George Leslie, 4th Earl of Rothes (born August 2, 1484 – died November 24, 1558), was an important Scottish nobleman and a diplomat. He played a role in Scottish history during a time of big changes.

George became the Earl of Rothes after his father, William Leslie, 3rd Earl of Rothes, passed away in 1513 during the Battle of Flodden. His father had taken over from his own brother, George Leslie, the 2nd Earl.

One of George's first important actions was to buy back some family lands in Fife called Ballinbreich. These lands had been sold by King James IV to a man named Andrew Barton. On April 1, 1517, George and his fiancée, Margaret Crichton, received a special document for these lands. It seems Margaret helped pay for some parts of the land. The lands were then officially joined together, and George was granted them as a barony. Margaret was also given rights to use the lands during her lifetime.

George Leslie's Public Service

George Leslie held several important positions in Scotland. From 1529 to 1540, he served as the Sheriff of Fife, which meant he was in charge of law and order in that area. He also became a Lord of Session in 1541, making him a judge in Scotland's highest court. In 1544, he was named a Lord of the Articles, a group of people who helped prepare laws for the Scottish Parliament.

In 1536, George traveled with James V of Scotland to France for the King's wedding. He also served as an ambassador to Denmark in 1550, representing Scotland's interests in another country.

Later Life and Passing

In 1546, George Leslie was accused of being involved in the passing of Cardinal Beaton. However, he was found not guilty and cleared of the charges.

George Leslie passed away in Dieppe, France, on November 24, 1558. He was returning from France after witnessing the marriage of Mary, Queen of Scots. Interestingly, several other Scottish officials who were with him also passed away around the same time, including Lord Fleming in Paris and the Bishop of Orkney and Earl of Cassillis in Dieppe on the very same night as George. There were whispers that they might have been harmed because they disagreed with giving the Scottish Crown to the Dauphin (the French prince).

Family Life

George Leslie was married several times and had a large family.

His first marriage was to Margaret Crichton. They appeared together in official records as early as April 1, 1517, when she was his fiancée. By August 1517, she was called the Countess of Rothes. This marriage ended on November 27, 1520. However, Margaret kept rights to some of the family lands, like Ballinbreich, for her lifetime. This sometimes caused confusion in later records.

George and Margaret had five children:

• Norman Leslie, known as the Master of Rothes. He was involved in some important events, but he passed away before his father. This meant he could not become the next Earl.
• William Leslie of Cairnie.
• Helen Leslie, who married Gilbert Seton and later Mark Kerr.
• Janet Leslie.
• Robert Leslie of Ardersier.

After his first marriage ended, George married Elizabeth Gray on June 5, 1525. She was the widow of John Lyon, 4th Lord Glamis. They did not have any children, and she passed away before 1530.

George then married Agnes Somerville. She was the widow of John, 2nd Lord Fleming. George and Agnes had several children:

• Andrew Leslie, who became the next Earl after his father.
• James Leslie.
• Margaret Leslie, who married John Cunningham.
• Beatrix Leslie, who married David Beaton of Creich.
• Elizabeth (or Isabel) Leslie, who married David Leslie of Inverdovate.
• Agnes Leslie, who married William Douglas of Lochleven.
• Euphemia Leslie, who married George Learmonth of Balcomie.
• Margaret Leslie, who married Archibald Douglas, 8th Earl of Angus.

George's last marriage was to Isobel Lundy, who was the widow of the 7th Earl of Crawford. They did not have any children.

Sources

• The Complete Peerage by G. E. Cockayne, edited by Geoffrey H. White, FSA., FRHist.S., vol.xi, London, 1949, pp. 190–193 & notes.
• Burke's Peerage Baronetage & Knightage edited by Peter Townend, 105th edition, London, 1970, pp. 1653 and 2305.