Hugh Somerville, 5th Lord Somerville facts for kids

Hugh Somerville (born around 1484, died 1549) was an important Scottish nobleman. He was known as the 5th Lord Somerville and was a member of the Parliament of Scotland, which was like the country's main governing body. He took over this role after his brother, John Somerville. Hugh and John were the sons of William Somerville and Marjory Montgomerie.

Hugh Somerville and His Family's Disputes

Hugh Somerville had a disagreement with his uncle, Sir John Somerville of Cambusnethan, who was nicknamed 'Red-bag.' His uncle had lost his lands because of his involvement in a fight in Edinburgh called 'Cleanse the Causeway.' Hugh, Lord Somerville, gained from his uncle's troubles.

In 1528, when his uncle started winning their legal battle, Hugh asked James Hamilton of Finnart to support him. In April 1536, Hugh's son James married Agnes, who was James Hamilton of Finnart's daughter. Their wedding took place at Craignethan Castle.

Later, in 1540, Hugh was part of the group that decided James Hamilton of Finnart would face serious charges. After Finnart's death, Hugh gained control of the area of Carstairs.

Hugh Somerville and Regent Arran

In 1542, Hugh was captured by English soldiers at the Battle of Solway Moss. He was released in 1543. Henry VIII of England gave money to many Scottish prisoners, and Hugh received £200. The English soldiers who captured him even argued over the ransom money!

When Hugh returned to Scotland, he became involved in a political struggle against the person ruling Scotland at the time, Regent Arran. Hugh was allied with the Earl of Angus.

On November 1, 1543, Hugh was put in Edinburgh Castle along with Lord Maxwell. The Abbot of Paisley kept them talking on the Royal Mile until a guard could arrest them in the name of Mary, Queen of Scots and the Regent. Hugh was then taken to Blackness Castle. An English diplomat named Ralph Sadler thought they were unwise to come to Edinburgh, where their enemies, Regent Arran and Cardinal Beaton, had full control.

In a letter from March 1549, Hugh explained his situation. He and other Scottish lords captured at Solway Moss in 1542 had promised to support the marriage of Queen Mary to Prince Edward. In November 1543, he was planning to go to England to discuss the marriage when Regent Arran captured him in Edinburgh. In his letter, Hugh asked Thomas Wharton to allow his son James, who was a hostage in England in his father's place, to return for 20 days.

On October 21, 1545, Hugh's second son, John, wrote to the Queen Dowager, Mary of Guise, from Cowthally Castle. He said that Hugh, the Earl of Angus, and George Douglas, along with their supporters, would oppose any marriage between Regent Arran's son, James Hamilton, and Queen Mary. This was despite promises of rewards from the Hamilton family. John asked for her opinion, which was sent to Cowthally and received by the Somerville family's friend, James Douglas of Drumlanrig.

It seems Lord Somerville eventually made peace with Regent Arran. He even spent Easter 1547 with him at Linlithgow Palace.

Hugh Somerville's Marriages and Children

Hugh Somerville was married twice.

• His first wife was Anna Hamilton, who passed away in 1516. She was a daughter of James Hamilton, 1st Earl of Arran.
• He then married Jonet Maitland in 1516. Her father, William Maitland, died at the Battle of Flodden. Her mother was Margaret Seton, a daughter of Lord Seton.

Hugh and Jonet had several children:

• Agnes Somerville, who was set to marry John Tweedie of Drumelzier in 1533.
• Elizabeth Somerville, who married John Carmichael. Their oldest son was Sir John Carmichael.
• James Somerville, 6th Lord Somerville, who later became the next Lord Somerville.
• Margaret Somerville, who married Charles Murray of Cockpool. She was the mother of John Murray, 1st Earl of Annandale.
• John Somerville
• Hugh Somerville
• Michael Somerville
• William Somerville

The main home of Lord Somerville was Cowthally Castle. Hugh rebuilt this castle in a grand style after he took possession of it in 1524. Hugh Somerville passed away in 1549 and was buried in the Somerville family section at Carnwath Church.