Hugh Kennedy of Girvanmains facts for kids
Hugh Kennedy, also known as Huw Kennedy of Girvanmains, was an important Scottish nobleman. He worked for the royal court, was a soldier, and owned land. His family lived at Dalquharran Castle in Ayrshire.
When James V of Scotland was young, Hugh Kennedy supported Archibald Douglas, 6th Earl of Angus. After King James V took full control, Kennedy was seen as a rebel. However, he was forgiven in 1530 and allowed to live in France for a time.
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Hugh Kennedy's Missions
In August 1554, Mary of Guise, who was ruling Scotland for her young daughter Mary, Queen of Scots, hired a ship called the Lion. She wanted to attack Borve Castle, Sutherland, which was held by Iye Du Mackay. Hugh Kennedy led this mission.
The Lion Voyage
Hugh Kennedy took 50 soldiers and a royal gunner named Hans Cochrane with a cannon on the Lion. They also brought supplies, including wine. This shows how important the mission was.
Meeting with Clans
In October 1554, Kennedy was at Dunrobin Castle. He wrote to the Earl of Cassillis about his progress. Kennedy met with leaders of the Clan Gunn on October 12. They promised to be loyal to the Queen Regent.
Dealing with Rebels
However, some members of the Clan Gunn, especially the Robson family, supported Iye Du Mackay. John Robson's sons and nephews were at Girnigoe Castle. Hugh Kennedy wanted the Earl of Caithness to hand over Girnigoe Castle. He believed William Robson should be charged for rebellious actions.
Kennedy also planned to meet Iye Du Mackay on October 18. He hoped Mackay would agree to Mary of Guise's terms. Kennedy also suggested that Mary of Guise could take lands near Inverness. These lands belonged to Helen Sinclair, the wife of the late Donald Mackay. Kennedy thought she should lose them for hosting Mackay's servants.
Payment for Service
In October 1555, Hugh Kennedy was paid for his voyage on the Lion. He also received money for looking after Iye Du Mackay and two other gentlemen. He even bought clothes for Mackay. Kennedy also received two years of his salary that had been owed to him.
Later, Rob John Robson was held at Edinburgh Castle starting in February 1558. This was a way to ensure the Clan Gunn's good behavior. The exact date of Hugh Kennedy's death is not known.
Hugh Kennedy's Family
Hugh Kennedy married Lady Janet Stewart. She was the daughter of John Stewart, 2nd Earl of Atholl. Janet had been married before and would marry other important men later.
Hugh and Janet had several children:
- Gilbert Kennedy of Girvanmains: He married Margaret Kennedy in 1553.
- Elizabeth or Elspeth Kennedy: She married Patrick Vans of Barnbarroch in Perth on August 17, 1561. She passed away in 1572.
- Barbara Kennedy: She married John Bellenden of Auchnoul. Mary of Guise herself signed their marriage contract in 1555. Barbara was a lady-in-waiting to the Queen Regent. Mary of Guise even helped with Barbara's dowry.
- Margaret Kennedy: She married Ughtred McDowall of Garthland.
- Helen Kennedy: She married Laurence Bruce in 1559. Laurence Bruce later became Sheriff of Shetland in 1571. He built Muness Castle on Unst. Their children included Alexander Bruce, Andrew Bruce, and Helen Bruce.
