George Sinclair, 5th Earl of Caithness facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Sinclair
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| Earl of Caithness | |
Earl of Caithness Coat of Arms
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| Predecessor | George Sinclair, 4th Earl of Caithness |
| Successor | George Sinclair, 6th Earl of Caithness |
| Died | February 1643 |
| Noble family | Clan Sinclair |
| Father | John Sinclair, Master of Caithness |
| Mother | Jean Hepburn |
George Sinclair (died 1643) was an important Scottish nobleman. He was the 5th Earl of Caithness and the leader, or chief, of the Clan Sinclair. This was a powerful Scottish clan from northern Scotland.
Contents
Early Life of George Sinclair
George Sinclair was the oldest son of John Sinclair, Master of Caithness. His mother was Jean Hepburn. George's father had been given a special document, called a charter, by Mary, Queen of Scots. This charter said that the title of Earl of Caithness would always pass to male family members.
George became the Earl of Caithness in 1582 or 1583. He took over from his grandfather, George Sinclair, 4th Earl of Caithness. George was still young when he became Earl. Because of this, he was looked after by the Earl of Gowrie.
Becoming Earl of Caithness
Battles Between Clans
George Sinclair's father, John, had been held captive and killed by his own father, the 4th Earl. Later, George, the 5th Earl, took revenge. He killed the two men who had kept his father prisoner in Castle Sinclair Girnigoe. In old stories, George is sometimes called "Wicked George." But some historians say this name might fit his grandfather better.
In 1585, George received a special pardon from James VI of Scotland. This pardon was for the killing of David Hume and two Sinclair brothers. These Sinclair brothers were believed to have been involved in his father's death.
Around 1585, a meeting took place in Elgin, Scotland. Important leaders like George Gordon, 1st Marquess of Huntly and Alexander Gordon, 12th Earl of Sutherland were there. George Sinclair, 5th Earl of Caithness, also attended. The goal was to fix problems between the clans.
One big problem was caused by the Clan Gunn. It was decided that the Clan Gunn should be stopped. But George Sinclair and Huistean Du Mackay, 13th of Strathnaver did not want to attack their old friends, the Gunns. So, they left the meeting.
In 1586, the Marquess of Huntly came north. He asked George Sinclair and Hugh Mackay to meet him at Dunrobin Castle. George Sinclair agreed to help attack the Gunns. He sent his men, led by Henry Sinclair, to fight them. But in the Battle of Allt Camhna, the Gunns, helped by the Mackays, won. Henry Sinclair, George's cousin, was killed.
In 1590, George, Earl of Caithness, had a long-running feud with the Earl of Sutherland. George invaded Sutherland. He was defeated at the Battle of Clynetradwell. However, Donald Balloch Mackay, who was on George's side, helped save the situation. Both sides had similar losses in this battle.
In 1601, there was another stand-off at Bengrime. The armies of the Earl of Caithness and the Earl of Sutherland faced each other. The Earl of Caithness tried to make peace, but his offers were refused. His men then fled, and the Earl of Sutherland's army advanced.
Important Documents
George Sinclair, 5th Earl of Caithness, received several important documents from the King. These were called charters. They were given in 1591, 1606, 1612, and 1615.
In 1592, he gave up his title as Earl of Caithness to King James VI. This was done with his wife's permission. A new charter was then given to his oldest son, William Sinclair. This meant William and his male heirs would inherit the title. However, George still kept the right to use the title and lands during his lifetime.
George was also the Sheriff of Caithness. This job meant he was in charge of law and order in the area. He had a disagreement with George Keith, 5th Earl Marischal in 1610. The Earl Marischal's tenants in Caithness did not want to be under the Sheriff's power. After a legal case, the Earl Marischal sold his lands in Caithness to George Sinclair.
Journey to Orkney
In 1614, Robert Stewart, the son of Patrick Stewart, 2nd Earl of Orkney, took control of several castles on the Orkney Isles. These included Birsa Palace and Kirkwall Castle.
George, Earl of Caithness, was in Edinburgh at the time. He offered to go to Orkney to restore law and order. He asked for enough soldiers to do this. The government agreed. In August 1614, he sailed from Leith with 60 soldiers and two cannons.
He stopped in Caithness to get more troops from his own lands. Then, he sailed to Orkney with his brother, Henry Sinclair. They landed their troops in Kirkwall. George began by attacking the places held by the rebels. The last place was Kirkwall Castle. Robert Stewart and only 16 men defended it for three weeks.
The prisoners were taken to Edinburgh and executed. Only one person, Patrick Halcro, was spared because he had helped the castle surrender. In January 1615, the Earl of Caithness went to London. He received an award for his success.
George Sinclair, 5th Earl of Caithness, died in February 1643. He was 77 years old. His great-grandson became the next Earl.
Family Life
George Sinclair, 5th Earl of Caithness, married Jean Gordon. She was the daughter of George Gordon, 5th Earl of Huntly. They had several children:
- William Sinclair, Lord Berriedale: He died before his father. William had a son named John Sinclair, Master of Berriedale. John also died before his grandfather, in 1639. John had three sons: George Sinclair, 6th Earl of Caithness, John Sinclair, and William Sinclair.
- Francis Sinclair of Northfield, Edinburgh: He married Elizabeth, daughter of Lord Fraser. They had a son, George Sinclair, 7th Earl of Caithness. Francis also had a daughter, "Lady Jean of Mey." She died in 1716. Francis also had an illegitimate daughter named Margaret.
- Francis Sinclair: He was an illegitimate son. Around 1621, he fought a duel with a relative. The Sinclair of Stirkoke family branch comes from this Francis. This branch includes George Sinclair, who died in Norway in 1612.
- John Sinclair: He was another illegitimate son. He became a Lieutenant-Colonel in the German wars.
- Elizabeth Sinclair: She married George Lindsay, 14th Earl of Crawford, in 1621.
See also
