Gilbert Kennedy of Bargany and Ardstinchar facts for kids

Gilbert Kennedy of Bargany (born around 1577, died 1601) was a Scottish landowner. He inherited a long-standing family rivalry, often called a "feud," with another powerful family leader, John Kennedy, 5th Earl of Cassilis. This happened after his father, Thomas Kennedy of Bargany, passed away. Sadly, on December 11, 1601, Gilbert met the Earl and his followers near Maybole. He was killed during this encounter.

Gilbert Kennedy's Life

Gilbert Kennedy was the third son of Thomas Kennedy of Bargany and Agnes Montgomerie. Agnes was the daughter of Hugh Montgomerie, 2nd Earl of Eglinton. Bargany Castle, where Gilbert's family lived, was located in Dailly parish in Ayrshire, Scotland. It was taken down in the 1600s.

Gilbert's Marriage

In the spring of 1597, Gilbert Kennedy married Jean Stewart. Jean was the daughter of Andrew, Master of Ochiltree. At the time, Jean was a young lady in the royal household of Anne of Denmark, who was the Queen of Scotland. Jean's mother was also an important lady-in-waiting to the Queen. Gilbert and Jean had a son named Thomas. They also had two daughters who sadly passed away when they were very young.

Some old stories say that James VI of Scotland, the King, arranged Gilbert's marriage without a dowry (a gift of money or property from the bride's family). This was supposedly a punishment for Gilbert's father, Thomas Kennedy. Thomas had been involved in a protest in Edinburgh in 1596. However, official marriage documents show that the King actually helped pay for the wedding. Queen Anne of Denmark even tried to get a dowry for Jean. She arranged a loan for the dowry money.

Becoming Laird of Bargany

Thomas Kennedy of Bargany, Gilbert's father, died on November 7, 1597. After his father's death, Gilbert became the new laird, or landowner, of Bargany and Ardstinchar.

The Family Feud

Gilbert Kennedy soon became deeply involved in his family's long-standing feud with John Kennedy, 5th Earl of Cassilis. On January 3, 1598, Thomas Kennedy of Culzean, who was a guardian for the Earl of Cassilis, attacked Gilbert's servants with pistols near Maybole.

Even though Gilbert had helped the Earl in the past, their feud continued. On December 11, 1601, Gilbert met the Earl and his followers at Pennyglen. During this meeting, Gilbert was killed by a lance thrust in his back. The Earl of Cassilis later told the Privy Council of Scotland (a group of royal advisors) that Gilbert's group included rebels. He claimed he had permission from the King to go after them. Despite this, the Earl and his followers were found not guilty.

Jean Stewart After Gilbert's Death

After Gilbert's death, his wife, Jean Stewart Lady Bargany, had to give up their family homes to the King's representative in 1603. She continued the feud through legal actions. She also received several gifts from the King and Queen. Jean Stewart died in Edinburgh in September 1605. She was buried with her husband in a new burial area they had built at Ballantrae, close to Ardstinchar Castle.

Thomas Kennedy of Bargany

Gilbert and Jean's son, Thomas Kennedy of Bargany, married his cousin, Margaret Stewart. Margaret was the daughter of Josias Stewart of Bonytoun.