Henry Lindsay, 13th Earl of Crawford facts for kids

Henry Lindsay, also known as Harry Charteris, was a Scottish nobleman who lived a long time ago. He was the 13th Earl of Crawford and passed away in 1623.

His Early Life and Family

Henry Lindsay was the younger brother of David Lindsay, who was the 11th Earl of Crawford. Their father was David Lindsay, 10th Earl of Crawford. Henry's mother was Margaret Beaton.

In 1584, Henry changed his name to Charteris. He was adopted by John Charteris of Kinfauns and Janet Chisholm. This meant he became the owner of important lands and castles. He owned Kinfauns near Perth and Careston in Angus.

Working for the Queen

Henry Lindsay had an important job working for Anne of Denmark, who was the Queen. He was the Master of the Household. This meant he helped manage the Queen's home and looked after her money. He worked with William Schaw to check the household accounts.

This job was a lot of work, and Henry felt he wasn't paid enough. In 1592, he and his cousin, David Beaton, complained that their royal jobs were very hard and didn't pay as well as other positions.

Defending the Queen

Henry Lindsay showed his loyalty to the Queen in December 1591. During an event called the Raid of Holyrood, attackers tried to get into Holyrood Palace. Henry bravely defended the door of the Queen's room against the followers of the Earl of Bothwell.

Building Castles and Homes

Henry Lindsay was involved in building and improving his properties. He likely built the house at Careston, also known as "Carrestoun." This house had special fireplaces designed in a French style.

In 1598, he built a burial place for his family at Kinfauns. It was called the Charteris burial aisle. You can still see his family symbols there, along with those of his wife, Helen Chisholm. Their initials, "HC" and "HCL," are also featured. Helen was the daughter of Sir James Chisholm of Cromlix.

Disputes and Challenges

Henry Lindsay was involved in several disagreements and conflicts during his life.

A Castle Attack

In June 1592, Henry Lindsay and about 40 armed men attacked the Place of Pitfour at night. They tried to trick the people inside by sending a boy to open the gates. The trick worked, but the defenders fought back and closed the gates. However, Lindsay's men managed to break into the castle. They forced the family out and put their own men in charge.

Rent Disputes

In 1594, Henry Lindsay tried to avoid paying rent for lands and fishing rights at Brechin. These payments were owed to Annabell Murray, Countess of Mar. However, the Scottish Parliament decided that he had to pay the rent.

Later that year, in September 1594, he tried to speak to King James VI. He wanted to help the Earl of Huntly and offered to capture the rebel Earl of Bothwell. But the King did not accept his offer.

Family Conflicts

In July 1602, some of Henry Lindsay's followers attacked David Ogilvy, the son of Lord Ogilvy. This happened near the King's Holyrood Palace. David Ogilvy was badly hurt, and his servant was killed. This attack was thought to be part of a quarrel involving Lord Spynie.

In 1603, important officials complained that Henry Lindsay had gone to Perth with armed men to find an enemy, Patrick Eviot. They found him and shot at him, but he escaped. Henry Lindsay was then put in Edinburgh Castle.

In November 1618, Henry Lindsay and his men captured Patrick Lindsay of Barnyards. They held him prisoner at Finavon and the Kirk of Oathlaw. They tried to make him sign away his family inheritance. These threats continued in 1619. Patrick was again imprisoned at Finavon Castle and forced to sign documents.

Becoming Earl of Crawford

Henry Lindsay became the Earl of Crawford in 1621. After becoming an Earl, he had more disputes. He bothered the tenants of David Lord Carnegie. One day, he even attacked a farmer named Henry Finlayson, beating him with his own staff.

Henry Lindsay died in 1623.

Family

Henry Lindsay was married three times.

• His first wife was Beatrix Charteris. They did not have any children.
• His second wife was Helen Chisholm. She was connected to the Kinfauns family.
• His third wife was Euphemia or Elizabeth Schaw. She was the daughter of James Schaw of Sauchie. After Henry Lindsay died, she asked King James for help with money and legal matters. The King asked the treasurer of Scotland to help her because she had been a loyal servant to Queen Anne of Denmark.

Henry Lindsay had three sons who lived longer than him: George, Alexander, and Ludovic. All three of them became Earl of Crawford after him. Another son, John, died before his father. John had married Jean Abernethy.

Images for kids

• Careston Castle.jpg

  Careston Castle, one of Henry Lindsay's properties.

• Kinfauns Castle.jpg

  Kinfauns Castle, another property owned by Henry Lindsay.

• Holyrood Palace.jpg

  Holyrood Palace, where Henry Lindsay defended the Queen.