Hugh Montgomerie, 3rd Earl of Eglinton facts for kids
Hugh Montgomerie, 3rd Earl of Eglinton (born around 1531, died 1585) was an important Scottish noble. He lived during a very exciting and sometimes difficult time in Scottish history. Hugh Montgomerie was a strong supporter of Mary Queen of Scots, who was the Queen of Scotland.
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Early Life and Family Connections
Hugh Montgomerie was born in 1531. He was the great-grandson of the first Earl of Eglinton, also named Hugh Montgomerie. When he was about 21 years old, in 1552, he went to St. Mary's College, St. Andrews to study.
Later, Hugh Montgomerie married Janet Hamilton. Her father was James Hamilton, who was a very powerful noble and the First Earl of Arran.
Changing Sides in Scottish Politics
Even though Hugh Montgomerie was Catholic, he first supported his father-in-law, James Hamilton, who was Protestant. In October 1559, Montgomerie brought his soldiers to Edinburgh. He joined Hamilton and a group of Scottish nobles called the Lords of the Congregation. They were fighting against French forces who supported Mary Stuart, who was living in France at the time. Montgomerie promised his support again in December 1559.
However, because Montgomerie was a Catholic, Protestant religious leaders often criticized him. People said he went to Catholic church services every day and even had a priest working for him. Because of this, he soon changed his mind and decided to support Mary Stuart.
Supporting Mary Queen of Scots
In December 1560, after Mary's young husband, Francis II of France, died, Montgomerie signed a promise to support her. This happened at Dunbar Castle. In February 1561, he traveled to France to visit Mary. She returned to Scotland in August 1561 and became Queen.
On May 15, 1568, Montgomerie fought with Mary's army at the Battle of Langside. After Mary's side lost, he ran away and hid for the night. On August 19, the Scottish Parliament said Montgomerie was a traitor. This was because he did not give his castles to the winning side.
In May 1571, Montgomerie finally promised to support Matthew Stewart, 4th Earl of Lennox. Lennox was acting as regent, or temporary ruler, for the young king, James VI.
In September 1571, Montgomerie was with Lennox when Lennox was killed in a fight in Stirling. The group that attacked them, which included some Hamiltons, locked Montgomerie in his room with guards.
Later Years and Family
In 1573, Montgomerie asked the new regent, Morton, to be fair to Catholics. In 1578, Morton helped Montgomerie become a Privy Councillor. This was an important advisor to the king.
In 1579, Montgomerie agreed to the order to punish the Hamiltons. This was for their part in the killings of Matthew Stewart and another regent, James Stewart, 1st Earl of Moray. When Morton lost his power, Montgomerie helped with Morton's trial in 1581.
Marriages and Children
Hugh Montgomerie's first wife was Lady Jean Hamilton. She was the daughter of Regent Arran and Margaret Douglas. Their marriage ended in 1562, and they did not have any children. Lady Jean died in 1596 and was buried in Trinity College Kirk in Edinburgh.
In the same year, Montgomerie married Agnes Drummond. She was the daughter of Sir John Drummond of Innerpeffray and Monzie Castle. Agnes was also the granddaughter of James IV of Scotland, a former king.
Hugh and Agnes had these children:
- Hugh Montgomerie, 4th Earl of Eglinton
- Robert Montgomerie of Giffen
- Margaret Montgomerie, who married Robert Seton, 1st Earl of Winton
- Agnes Montgomerie, who married Robert Sempill, 4th Lord Sempill
