George Stewart, 9th Seigneur d'Aubigny facts for kids
Lord George Stewart (or Stuart), 9th Seigneur d'Aubigny (born 17 July 1618 – died 23 October 1642) was a young nobleman. He had both English and Scottish family, and some French family too. He was a third cousin of King Charles I of England. George supported the King during the English Civil War. He was a leader for the King's side, known as a Royalist or Cavalier. He died at the age of 24 in the Battle of Edgehill in 1642.
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Early Life and Family
George was the third son of Esmé Stewart, 3rd Duke of Lennox (1579–1624). His mother was Katherine Clifton, 2nd Baroness Clifton (around 1592–1637). His oldest brother was James Stewart, 1st Duke of Richmond. James lived at Cobham Hall in Kent.
Growing Up in France
George's father passed away when George was only six years old. After his father's death, King Charles I of England became his guardian. George grew up in France at the Château d'Aubigny. This castle was in a place called Aubigny-sur-Nère in Berry. He was raised as a Roman Catholic by his grandmother, Katherine de Balsac.
The family had a long history with France. An ancestor, Sir John Stewart of Darnley, first gained the lordship of Aubigny. He was a Scottish nobleman and a famous soldier. He helped the French fight against the English during the Hundred Years War.
Becoming a Leader
In 1632, when George was 14, he became the Seigneur d'Aubigny. This means he became the lord of the manor of Aubigny-sur-Nère. He inherited this title after his older brother Henry died in Venice.
Education and Moving to England
By 1633, George was a student at the Collège de Navarre. This college was part of the University of Paris. When he turned 18, he officially promised his loyalty to Louis XIII of France for his French lands. Later that same year, he moved to England.
Joining the King's Side
George fought with the French army against the Spanish in a battle called Battle of Montjuïc (1641). As a war began to start in England, George joined King Charles's army. He was knighted by the King in April 1642, along with his brother Bernard.
Death and Legacy
George was badly hurt during the first part of the Battle of Edgehill. He died on October 23, 1642, at the age of 24. His two younger brothers also died fighting for the King later in the Civil War. These brothers were Lord John Stewart and Lord Bernard Stewart. There is a famous painting of them by Van Dyck.
George Stewart was buried at Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford. His French title, the lordship of Aubigny, then went to his next brother, Ludovic Stewart.
Marriage and Children
In 1638, when George was 20, he secretly married Katherine Howard. She was the daughter of Theophilus Howard, 2nd Earl of Suffolk. George married her without her father's permission. This upset the King, who was his guardian.
The portrait of George Stewart by Anthony van Dyck might have been painted to celebrate his marriage. The Latin words on it, Me Firmior Amor, mean "love is stronger than me." This might show his difficult choices between love and loyalty.
George and Katherine had two children:
- Charles Stewart, 3rd Duke of Richmond (1638–1672). He became the Duke of Richmond and Lennox. He lived at Cobham Hall. Charles did not have children.
- Katherine Stewart (1640–1702). She later inherited the title Baroness Clifton.
After George's death, his wife Katherine remarried. She was later thought to be helping King Charles I escape. She then fled to the Netherlands and died there.
The titles of Richmond and Lennox eventually went to King Charles II's son, Charles Lennox. The French title of Aubigny also went to this new family line. Today, these titles are still held by their descendants.
