Hugh Montgomerie, 1st Earl of Eglinton facts for kids

Hugh Montgomerie, 1st Earl of Eglinton (born around 1460 – died June 1545) was an important Scottish nobleman. He held a high rank in society and was known for his leadership.

Early Life and Rise to Power

Hugh Montgomerie was born around 1460. He was the oldest son of Alexander Montgomerie, who was the 2nd Lord Montgomerie. His mother was Catherine, the daughter of Gilbert, Lord Kennedy. His grandfather was also named Alexander Montgomerie, the 1st Lord Montgomerie.

Hugh became the head of his family and took over his father's lands before August 29, 1483. On June 5, 1484, he officially received control of the lands of Ardrossan and other family properties. Later that year, on October 11, he cancelled any decisions that had been made about his lands while he was still too young to manage them himself. He also helped settle disagreements about the borders between Scotland and England.

Supporting the King

Hugh Montgomerie supported a group of nobles who were against King James III. This led to the Battle of Sauchieburn on June 1, 1488. After the battle, James IV became the new king. Hugh received a special pardon for his actions, including tearing down a house called Turnelaw (Kerrielaw). He was also given the job of stopping crime in several areas of Scotland, like Carrick and Cunningham.

The next year, Hugh was chosen to be a privy councillor. This meant he was a trusted advisor to the king. He was also made the constable, or guardian, of the royal Rothesay Castle.

Important Roles and Challenges

On July 4, 1498, Hugh was given control over the area of Cunningham. He also became the chamberlain, or manager, for the town of Irvine. This new role in Cunningham caused a long-lasting disagreement between the Montgomerie family and the Cunningham family.

Hugh Montgomerie was given the special title of Earl of Eglinton between January 3 and 20, 1506. After the sad Battle of Flodden on September 9, 1513, where King James IV was killed, Hugh was one of the nobles who met. They gathered in Perth to plan for the crowning of the young prince, James V. Hugh was also chosen as one of the prince's guardians.

On October 28, 1515, he became the keeper of the island of Little Cumbrae. His job was to protect the wild animals there until the king grew up. In 1527, he was made a top judge for the northern parts of Scotland.

In June 1528, Hugh was among the lords who met with King James V in Stirling. This meeting happened after the young king had escaped from the powerful Douglas family. Later that year, in November, his home, Eglinton Castle, was burned down by William Cunningham, 4th Earl of Glencairn. All his important family documents were destroyed. Because of this, the king gave him new official papers for his lands on January 23, 1529.

In 1533, Hugh was appointed as a deputy admiral for the Cunningham area. This meant he helped manage naval affairs there. When the king traveled to France in 1536 to marry Princess Magdalen, Hugh was part of the group that helped rule Scotland in the king's absence.

Hugh Montgomerie passed away in June 1545. His grandson, also named Hugh Montgomerie, became the 2nd Earl of Eglinton.

Family Life

Hugh Montgomerie was married to Helen, who was the third daughter of Colin Campbell, 1st Earl of Argyll. Together, they had a large family with six sons and seven daughters:

• Alexander, who was called the Master of Montgomerie, but he died when he was young.
• John, Lord Montgomerie, who was killed in a street fight in Edinburgh in 1520. John was the father of Hugh, who became the 2nd Earl of Eglinton.
• Sir Neil of Langshaw (Lainshaw).
• William of Greenfield.
• Hugh, who was killed in the Battle of Pinkie in 1547.
• Robert, who was first a church leader in Kirkmichael and later became a bishop in Argyll.
• Margaret, who married William Sempill, 2nd Lord Sempill.
• Maud, who married Colin Campbell of Ardkinglas.
• Isobel, who married John Mure of Caldwell.
• Elizabeth, who married John Blair.
• Agnes, who married John Ker of Kersland.
• Janet, who married Campbell of Cessnock.
• Catherine, who married George Montgomerie of Skelmorlie.