Hercules Stewart facts for kids

Hercules Stewart of Whitelaw (died 1595) was a Scottish landowner who supported his half-brother, Francis Stewart, 5th Earl of Bothwell. Bothwell was a powerful noble who sometimes disagreed with King James VI of Scotland. Hercules Stewart was known for his loyalty to Bothwell and his involvement in the political events of the late 1500s in Scotland.

Early Life and Family

Hercules Stewart was born into an important Scottish family. His father was John Stewart, who was the Prior of Coldingham. John Stewart was an illegitimate son of King James V of Scotland. This made Hercules Stewart a grandson of a Scottish king.

Hercules Stewart was also the half-brother of Francis Stewart, 5th Earl of Bothwell. They shared the same father, John Stewart. Hercules also had a half-sister named Christiane Stewart. She was chosen to be one of the ladies who helped care for young King James VI when he was a baby in 1568.

Supporting the Earl of Bothwell

Hercules Stewart was a strong supporter of his half-brother, the Earl of Bothwell. Bothwell was often in conflict with King James VI.

In March 1592, Hercules Stewart was believed to be hiding in Northumberland, England, with Bothwell and other supporters. They had tried to enter the king's palace at Holyroodhouse by force. Because of his actions, Hercules Stewart was declared guilty of treason by the Parliament of Scotland in June 1592. Treason means betraying one's country or ruler.

However, in November 1592, Hercules Stewart and many of Bothwell's followers were pardoned for their actions. This meant they were forgiven and no longer considered guilty of treason.

Battle of Leith

In April 1594, Bothwell's supporters, including Hercules Stewart, prepared for a fight in Leith, a port town near Edinburgh. They tried to fix up old defenses there. They then moved to Niddrie.

On April 5, 1594, Hercules Stewart was put in charge of some of Bothwell's troops. They fought against the king's soldiers, led by the Master of Glamis and the Earl of Home. Hercules Stewart's forces won the battle, and the king's soldiers retreated towards Edinburgh Castle and Holyroodhouse. This fight is sometimes called the "Battle of Leith."

Later Life and Death

Hercules Stewart continued to be involved with the Earl of Bothwell's plans. He even wrote letters for the Earl. However, some people at the time, like the English agent George Nicholson, thought that Hercules Stewart might not have been fully trusted by Bothwell.

On January 9, 1595, the Privy Council of Scotland accused Hercules Stewart and others of planning against the King with Bothwell.

Hercules Stewart was captured on February 6, 1595, near Newbattle. He was questioned about his involvement with Bothwell. Hercules Stewart died on February 18, 1595, in Edinburgh.

Family Life

Hercules Stewart was married to Mary Whitelaw. They divorced in 1592. Mary later married William Hume in 1593.

Hercules and Mary had a daughter named Margaret Stewart.