Gilbert Kennedy, 3rd Earl of Cassilis facts for kids

Gilbert Kennedy, 3rd Earl of Cassilis (born May 12, 1515 – died November 15, 1558) was an important Scottish nobleman. He owned land, served as a soldier, worked in politics, and was a judge. He even held the important job of Treasurer of Scotland, managing the country's money.

Gilbert Kennedy's Early Life and Education

Gilbert Kennedy was the son of Gilbert Kennedy, 2nd Earl of Cassilis. When his father passed away in August 1527, young Gilbert inherited his titles. He became the 5th Lord Kennedy and the 3rd Earl of Cassilis.

As a young man, Gilbert was very keen on learning. He studied at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. He also spent five years studying in Paris, France. There, he learned from a famous Scottish teacher named George Buchanan. Buchanan was a key figure in the Renaissance humanist movement, which focused on human values and achievements.

Becoming a Protestant Leader

In November 1542, when Gilbert was in his late twenties, he was captured during the Battle of Solway Moss. This battle was fought between Scotland and England. After being held briefly in the Tower of London, he was placed under the care of Thomas Cranmer. Cranmer was the Archbishop of Canterbury, a very important religious leader in England.

Some historians believe that Gilbert's time with Cranmer helped him become a Protestant. This means he adopted the new religious ideas of the Reformation, moving away from the traditional Catholic church. He was one of the first Scottish nobles to do so. However, since he was with Cranmer for only a month, it's likely his earlier studies with George Buchanan had already influenced his thinking.

Serving Scotland as a Statesman

Gilbert Kennedy held several important positions in Scotland. In 1554, he became the Treasurer of Scotland. This role meant he was in charge of the country's finances. He also served as an Extraordinary Lord of Session between 1546 and 1558. This was a judicial role, meaning he helped make legal decisions.

During a conflict with England, known as the Rough Wooing, Gilbert was a soldier. The "Rough Wooing" was a series of wars where England tried to force a marriage between the young Mary, Queen of Scots, and the English king's son. Gilbert fought in the Battle of Pinkie Cleugh on September 10, 1547. Two years later, during the siege of Haddington, he helped destroy the East Linton Bridge. This action was meant to stop English troops from advancing.

A Diplomat in France

In 1558, Gilbert Kennedy was chosen as one of eight Commissioners by the Scottish Parliament. Their important task was to attend the marriage of Mary, Queen of Scots, to the Dauphin of France. The Dauphin was the heir to the French throne.

During this trip, the Scottish representatives refused to give the "Crown matrimonial" to the Dauphin. This meant they would not allow him to share Mary's power as king of Scotland. The French court was very upset by this decision.

Sadly, Gilbert Kennedy and two other Commissioners died on the same night, November 28, 1558, in Dieppe, France. A rumor spread that they had been poisoned. Another Commissioner, Lord Fleming, died shortly after in Paris. However, historical records show that the death dates were not exactly the same, and the poisoning report was likely untrue. Gilbert Kennedy actually died in November.

Before his death, Henry II of France had honored Gilbert by making him a Gentleman in Ordinary of his Chamber on May 4, 1558. This honor was later passed on to Gilbert's son and heir, Gilbert, the 4th Earl of Cassilis.

Gilbert Kennedy's Family

In 1540, Gilbert Kennedy married Margaret Kennedy. She was the daughter of Thomas Kennedy of Bargany. Together, Gilbert and Margaret had five children:

• Lady Katherine Kennedy, who married Sir Patrick Vans of Barnbarroch.
• Gilbert Kennedy, 4th Earl of Cassilis (born around 1541 – died 1576). He inherited his father's titles.
• Sir Thomas Kennedy of Culzean (born around 1549 – died 1602). He later joined the court of King James VI.
• Lady Jean Kennedy (born before 1558 – died around 1598). She married Robert Stewart, 1st Earl of Orkney.
• Lady Isobel Kennedy (born July 24, 1542 – died January 12, 1598). She married Sir Patrick Mc Elwain of Thomaston Castle.