James Johnstone, 1st Earl of Hartfell facts for kids

Quick facts for kids James Johnstone, 1st Earl of Hartfell
Born	1602
Died	April 1653  (aged 50–51)
Spouse(s)	Lady Margaret Douglas

James Johnstone, 1st Earl of Hartfell (born 1602, died 1653), was an important Scottish nobleman. He was known for being a strong supporter of the king during a time of great change in Scotland. People who supported the king were often called royalists.

Early Life and Family

James Johnstone was the only son of Sir James Johnstone. His father was a "Lord Warden of the West Marches." This important job meant he was in charge of keeping peace along the border between Scotland and England.

In 1608, when James was just six years old, his father was killed. After this sad event, young James inherited his father's lands and title, becoming the Baron of Newby. For many years, there was a big disagreement, or "feud," between James's family and the Maxwell family. In 1623, King James I of England helped to finally end this long-standing feud.

A Career in Politics

James Johnstone became a very important figure in Scottish politics.

Becoming a Nobleman

On June 20, 1633, King Charles I was crowned. At this special event, James Johnstone was given a new, higher title. He became Lord Johnstone of Lochwood. This meant he was now part of the Peerage of Scotland, a group of high-ranking nobles.

Supporting the Covenanters

From 1637, James Johnstone started to represent a group called the Covenanters in the royal court. The Covenanters were Scots who wanted to protect their Presbyterian church from the king's changes. The next year, he also took part in an important meeting called the General Assembly in Glasgow. This meeting was where big decisions about the church were made.

The Bishops' Wars and Civil War

In 1640, during a conflict known as the Second Bishops' War, Johnstone helped to gather a group of soldiers, called a regiment. However, his regiment did not end up fighting in the war.

On March 8, 1643, King Charles I gave James Johnstone even more honors. He was given the titles Lord Johnston of Lochwood, Moffatdale and Evandale and Earl of Hartfell. This made him an Earl, a very high rank.

Johnstone strongly supported the king during the English Civil War. This was a major war between the king and Parliament. Because of his support for the king, he was put in prison at Edinburgh Castle in 1644. He was held there by a group called the Committee of Estates, who were against the king.

Release and Further Conflicts

James Johnstone was released from prison in March 1645. After his release, he fought in the Battle of Kilsyth, a victory for the king's side. However, he was captured again in November after the Battle of Philiphaugh, where the king's forces were defeated.

He was sentenced to a very serious punishment in St Andrews. But luckily, he later received a pardon, which meant he was forgiven and did not have to face the punishment.

In 1648, a group called the Engagers signed an agreement with the king. Even though Johnstone was not part of this group, he was arrested as a precaution.

Family Life

James Johnstone was married three times.

On November 29, 1622, he first married Lady Margaret Douglas. She was the oldest daughter of William Douglas, 1st Earl of Queensberry. Lady Margaret passed away in 1640.

Johnstone then married Elizabeth, the daughter of Sir Samuel Johnston, 1st Baronet, on March 6, 1643. Sadly, she also passed away a few years later.

Finally, on February 25, 1647, he married Lady Margaret Hamilton. She was the third daughter of Thomas Hamilton, 1st Earl of Haddington. They were married at Holyrood Abbey in Edinburgh.

James Johnstone had six children with his first wife, Lady Margaret Douglas. They had four daughters and two sons.

He passed away in London in 1653. His oldest son, William Johnstone, became the next Earl of Hartfell and later the 1st Marquess of Annandale.