James Fleming, 4th Lord Fleming facts for kids

James Fleming, 4th Lord Fleming (born around 1528 – died 18 December 1558) was an important Scottish nobleman. He held a very significant position called the Lord Chamberlain of Scotland. This role meant he was in charge of managing the royal household and its finances. His death in France, after he helped arrange the marriage of Mary, Queen of Scots, was seen as suspicious by many people at the time.

Early Life and Family Background

James Fleming was the oldest son of Malcolm Fleming, 3rd Lord Fleming. His mother was Johanna or Jonet Stewart, who was a daughter of James IV of Scotland. James's father, Malcolm, was captured during the Battle of Solway Moss in 1542. Sadly, Malcolm Fleming died in another battle, the Battle of Pinkie, on 10 September 1547.

Serving the Queen of Scots

After his father's death, James became the new Lord Fleming. In August 1548, he traveled to France with Mary, Queen of Scots. At that time, Mary was still a young girl. James's mother was even chosen to be Mary's governess, meaning she helped look after and educate the young queen.

In May 1549, James Fleming was captured and held as a prisoner by the English. He was later set free in an exchange for an English prisoner. In 1550, James went back to France, this time with Mary of Guise, who was Queen Mary's mother and the Queen Dowager of Scotland.

Important Roles in Scotland

On 21 December 1553, James was officially confirmed as the Great Chamberlain of Scotland for his entire life. This was a very powerful job. Around the same time, he was also given the important task of guarding the East and Middle Marches. These were border areas between Scotland and England. He also had the power to act as a judge in these areas.

The Queen's Marriage and Suspicious Deaths

In December 1557, James Fleming was one of eight important people chosen by the Scottish parliament. Their job was to represent Scotland at the wedding of Queen Mary. She was going to marry Francis, the Dauphin of France, who was the heir to the French throne. The wedding took place on 24 April 1558.

The Scottish representatives agreed to promise loyalty to Francis as Queen Mary's husband. However, they made it clear that they could not agree to let him receive the Scottish royal symbols. This meant he wouldn't be seen as the King of Scotland in the same way Mary was.

When the commissioners left France to return to Scotland, the French court seemed unsure about what some of them would do. Because of this, the deaths of James and three other commissioners on their way home raised serious questions. Many people suspected they had been poisoned on purpose. The Earls of Rothes and Cassilis, and Bishop Reid of Orkney died more quickly. James Fleming tried to recover and returned to Paris, but he also died there on 18 December 1558.

Family Life

James Fleming was married to Lady Barbara Hamilton. She was the oldest daughter of James Hamilton, Duke of Châtellerault. James and Barbara had one daughter named Jean Fleming.

Jean Fleming married twice. Her first husband was John Maitland, 1st Lord Maitland of Thirlestane. They had a son and a daughter together. After he died in 1595, Jean married John Kennedy, 5th Earl of Cassilis. She did not have any children with her second husband.