George Seton, 3rd Earl of Winton facts for kids
George Seton, 3rd Earl of Winton (born December 1584 – died 17 December 1650) was an important Scottish nobleman. He was a strong supporter of the King during a time of great conflict. People who supported the King were called Royalists or Cavaliers. George was the second son of Robert Seton, 1st Earl of Winton. His mother was Margaret Montgomerie.
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Life of George Seton
Before his older brother became ill, George Seton was known as "George Seton of St Germans." He had a Catholic tutor named Stephen Ballantyne. However, the local church leaders in Tranent and Haddington did not approve. They made sure his tutor was removed. Two more Catholic tutors were also dismissed because of pressure from the church, known as the Kirk.
Like many other Scottish noblemen, George and his brothers finished their education in France.
Becoming the Earl
George's older brother, Robert Seton, 2nd Earl of Winton, had no children. So, on June 26, 1606, he gave up his title as Earl. George then became the 3rd Earl of Winton. He continued the building projects his father and brother had started. These included work at Seton Palace and later, in 1630, at Port Seton. He also improved many other family lands in his control.
In 1619, he built a large house called Winton near Pencaitland. An older castle there had been burned down during an English invasion. George also brought back the park, orchard, and gardens around the new house.
Royal Visits to Seton Palace
Seton Palace was a grand place. When King James VI of Scotland visited Scotland again in 1617, he stayed his second night at Seton Palace. King Charles I also visited twice in 1633. He brought all his many helpers and servants with him each time.
Loyalty During the Wars
In 1639, a rebellion started in Scotland against the King. Lord Winton left the country to meet King Charles I. He offered his full support to the King. Because of this, the rebels caused him much trouble. Throughout the Civil Wars, he was constantly bothered.
Troubles with Cromwell's Army
One account describes how Cromwell's army treated him. The army rode through many areas, especially near Edinburgh and East Lothian. The Earl of Winton was known for welcoming noblemen and gentlemen to his home. But Cromwell's soldiers treated him very badly.
They turned his beautiful home, Seton Palace, into a common inn. They even threatened to kill him if he did not give them whatever they demanded. His valuable furniture and belongings were stolen. He suffered many terrible things from them every day. When he complained to the Scottish leaders, he received no help. He was simply told to patiently give the soldiers whatever they wanted.
Family and Faith During Conflict
When James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose led the King's forces in 1645, the Earl's oldest son, George, Lord Seton, joined him. George was captured at the terrible Battle of Philiphaugh. He was in danger for a long time. Sadly, George, Lord Seton, died before his father in 1648.
In 1648, George, Earl of Winton, joined a plan to rescue the King. This plan was called the 'Engagement'. He gave £1000 to the commander, James Hamilton, 1st Duke of Hamilton, to help with his army's equipment.
Like his father, the Earl faced many small troubles from the church leaders in Haddington. This was because he remained loyal to the Roman Catholic faith. For example, in November 1648, the church leaders ordered that Seton House be "purged" of Catholic servants. They threatened to act against the Earl if he protected these servants after being warned.
When King Charles II came to Scotland in June 1650, the Earl of Winton stayed with him constantly. He remained with the King until November. He then went home to Seton to get ready for the King's Coronation. However, he died on December 17 of that year.
Family Life
Lord Winton was married two times.
First Marriage
In 1609, he married Anna Hay. She was the oldest daughter of Francis Hay, 9th Earl of Erroll. Anna was also a lady-in-waiting to Queen Anne of Denmark. They had five sons and three daughters. Some of their children were:
- George, Lord Seton (died 1648)
- Alexander Seton, 1st Viscount of Kingston
- Elizabeth (1621–1650), who married William Keith, 7th Earl Marischal in 1637.
Second Marriage
His second wife was Elizabeth. She was the only daughter of John Maxwell, 6th Lord Herries. With Elizabeth, Lord Winton had six sons and six daughters. Some of their children were:
- William
- Christopher, who was known as a very smart scholar. These two brothers and their teacher were lost at sea near Holland in 1648 while traveling abroad.
- John Seton of Garleton
- Robert Seton (died 1673), who studied at the Scots College in Douai.
- Ann, who married John Stuart, 2nd Earl of Traquair in April 1654. They had three sons and one daughter named Elizabeth. Elizabeth died at twenty years old. It is said that when Lord Traquair married Lady Anne Seton, the Covenanters made him stand at the church door in Dalkeith wearing a sack. This was because he married a Catholic.
- Mary, who married James Dalzell, 3rd Earl of Carnwath. They had a daughter, also named Mary. This Mary married Lord John Hay, who was a general under the Duke of Marlborough.
