James Ross, 4th Lord Ross facts for kids
James Ross, 4th Lord Ross of Halkhead (died 2 April 1581) was an important Scottish nobleman. He was a strong supporter of Mary, Queen of Scots, during a very exciting time in Scottish history.
Who Was James Ross?
James Ross was the oldest son of Ninian Ross, 3rd Lord Ross. His family, the Rosses of Halkhead (also called Hawkhead), lived in Renfrewshire, a region in the Scottish Lowlands. They were a well-known family in their area. It's good to know that they were not related to the famous Earls of Ross or the Ross family from the Scottish Highlands.
Supporting the Queen
James Ross was very loyal to Mary, Queen of Scots. On 5 September 1565, he promised to serve Queen Mary and her husband, Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley. He helped them against certain lords who were rebelling. A month later, on 10 October 1565, Lord Ross was asked to join the Queen's army. His job was to help chase after the rebellious lords.
Queen Mary and her secretary, Rizzio, often visited Ross's home at Melville. There were some stories later that Rizzio and Ross had a disagreement. This happened when Ross did not want to give Rizzio control over the Melville estate.
Loyalty and Battle
James Ross continued to show his support for Queen Mary. On 19 April 1567, he was one of the lords who signed the Ainslie Tavern Bond. This agreement showed they approved of the Queen's marriage to Bothwell. A year later, on 8 May 1568, he signed another agreement to defend the Queen.
He even fought for her in the Battle of Langside on 13 May 1568. However, during this battle, he was captured by Regent Moray. Regent Moray was ruling Scotland for Mary's young son, James VI, after Mary was forced to give up her throne. Even ten years later, in 1578, James Ross was still listed as a nobleman who supported Queen Mary.
His Family
James Ross married a woman named Jean. She was the daughter of Robert Sempill, 3rd Lord Sempill. Jean passed away on 28 February 1593. Together, James and Jean had several children:
- Robert Ross, 5th Lord Ross
- William Ross, 10th Lord Ross
- Elizabeth, who married Allan Lockhart. This couple were actually ancestors of Bill Clinton, who became the 42nd President of the U.S.A.
- Jean, who married Sir James Sandilands of Calder. Later, she married Henry Stewart of Craigiehall.
- Dorothy, who married Alexander Cunningham of Aiket.
- Alison (also known as Alice or Helen), who married Sir John Melville of Carnbee.
- Grisel, who married Sir Archibald Stirling of Keir. She died on 3 October 1618.
James Ross passed away on 2 April 1581.
