Hugh Fraser, 1st Lord Lovat facts for kids

Hugh Fraser, 1st Lord Lovat, was an important Scottish noble who lived in the 1400s. He was known for his role in Scottish politics and for protecting his family's lands. He was the first person to officially hold the title of Lord Lovat. His family, the Clan Fraser, was a powerful group in the Scottish Highlands.

Early Life of Lord Lovat

Hugh Fraser was born around 1436. He was the son of Thomas Fraser of Lovat. We don't know who his mother was. Hugh took over from his father before May 1455. Since he was still young, he was looked after by Archibald Douglas, Earl of Moray.

There are some different ideas about his family history. Some old books say he was the 3rd Lord Lovat. However, the modern Clan Fraser of Lovat organization agrees with other historians. They say he was indeed the 1st Lord Lovat. They also confirm he was the son of Thomas Fraser of Lovat.

Becoming Lord Lovat

Around 1450, Hugh's father sent him to be educated by the Earl of Moray. He was later introduced to the Regent of Scotland, who was then the Duke of Albany. James II of Scotland knighted Hugh, and he joined the Order of the Thistle. This was a very important honor.

Hugh was called to join the Scottish Parliament as Lord Fraser of Lovat. This happened sometime between 1456 and 1464. In 1464, he made an agreement with a relative, Alexander Fraser of Phillorth. They promised to support each other's children if one of them died first. This shows how dangerous life could be for a Highlander back then.

On May 13, 1471, Hugh was asked to pay for some land he had bought two years earlier. This request came from the Court Auditor, on behalf of Malcolm Fleming, 1st Lord Fleming.

Protecting His Lands

Hugh Fraser was against the problems happening in the Isles. These problems led to King James II's early death. The Lord of the Isles hired soldiers to attack Hugh's lands. They even tried to take Inverness and burn the Church of St Bride.

His own tenants tried to attack Lovat Castle. But Hugh's clan stayed loyal to him. They easily fought off the attack. After a battle near Inverness, peace returned to the area. On March 31, 1472, Hugh agreed to protect the people of Nairn. He also bought some land called Oreland and planted orchards there.

The late 1400s were a time of much fighting and little law. After a peaceful period, Hugh had to act for the King. He helped in wars against the Lords of the Isles and other family groups. Clan feuds also broke out in Sutherland and Caithness. Some fights between different groups of people also happened. This was made more difficult because James III of Scotland was still a child.

Hugh Fraser of Lovat was among the nobles who met the King. They tried to stop a rebellion. However, the English defeated King James, who was killed at Stirling. Lovat lived to be an old man. Sadly, his favorite son was killed fighting alongside James IV of Scotland at the Battle of Flodden.

Family Life

Hugh Fraser, 1st Lord Lovat, married Violetta, who was the daughter of Patrick Lyon, 1st Lord Glamis. They had several children together:

• Thomas Fraser, 2nd Lord Lovat: He was Hugh's heir and took over as Lord Lovat.
• Margaret Fraser: She married Hector de Kilmalew and had a son named Alexander.
• Egidia Fraser: She married Ferquhard Mackintosh, 12th of Mackintosh.

The modern Clan Fraser of Lovat organization also says that Hugh Fraser, 1st Lord Lovat, had another son named Hugh Fraser. From this son came many other branches of the Fraser family. These include the Frasers of Fairfield, Merkinch, Aberchalder, Foyers, Kinmonarie, and Dunchea.

Hugh Fraser, 1st Lord Lovat, passed away before October 14, 1501.