James Stewart, 1st Earl of Moray (1501 creation) facts for kids

James Stewart, Earl of Moray (around 1500–1544) was an important Scottish nobleman and diplomat. He was the son of James IV of Scotland and Janet Kennedy. He became the Earl of Moray in 1501.

When he was young, James lived at Stirling Castle and later at Darnaway Castle with his mother. He was too young to fight in the terrible Battle of Flodden in 1513.

It's easy to confuse him with two other famous Earls of Moray who were also named James Stewart. One was his nephew, James Stewart, 1st Earl of Moray, who helped rule Scotland when James VI was a child. The other was his nephew's son-in-law, James Stewart, 2nd Earl of Moray, who is known from a famous song called The Bonny Earl of Murray.

Working with King James V

James Stewart, Earl of Moray, had a changing relationship with his half-brother, King James V. At one point, he was even put in prison.

In 1531, King James V asked Moray to help talk to groups of people who were causing trouble in the Scottish Isles. Moray was told to offer them forgiveness if they promised to obey the king in the future. This shows he was trusted with important tasks.

Diplomacy in France

Moray also traveled to France as a diplomat. There, he was made a member of the Order of Saint Michael by the Duke of Vendôme. This was a special honor.

In 1536, the French King Francis I of France arranged for King James V to marry Mary of Bourbon, the Duke of Vendôme's daughter. To show his friendship, King Francis sent a special gift to James V: the collar and symbols of the Order of Saint Michael. Moray was chosen to present this gift to King James V in a grand ceremony.

A Clever Diplomat

A historian from the 1500s, John Lesley, who was also a Bishop, wrote good things about Moray's skills as a diplomat.

Lesley shared a story about Moray from 1543. At a fancy dinner, Moray supposedly arranged for some valuable Venetian glass to be "accidentally" broken. This was done to impress a guest, Peter Francisco Contarini, who was a high-ranking church leader. After the broken glass was cleared away, Moray then brought out another, perfect set of glasses. This trick showed how clever and resourceful he was.

Protecting His Family

According to John Lesley, Moray also showed his strength in 1526. He protected his young nephew, the heir of Lachlan Mackintosh. The nephew's half-brothers, Hector and William, attacked the area near Darnaway. They burned the countryside, killed people, and took over Petty Castle.

Moray got permission from King James V to gather an army and fight the Mackintosh brothers. Hector Mackintosh was captured and beheaded in Forres. William Mackintosh was forgiven but was later murdered in St Andrews. Moray helped raise the young Mackintosh heir along with the Laird of Findlater.

His Homes and Later Life

James Stewart, Earl of Moray, had several homes. These included places in Edinburgh, Balnageith near Forres, Elgin, and Darnaway Castle.

He wrote his will in June 1540 because he was planning to travel to France for his health. He passed away in 1544.

Family Life

James Stewart married Lady Elizabeth Campbell in August 1529. She was the daughter of Colin Campbell, 3rd Earl of Argyll and Lady Jean Gordon.

They had one daughter named Lady Mary Stewart. She married John Stewart, Master of Buchan. Lady Mary later got a divorce in 1560 and did not have any children.

His wife, Elizabeth Campbell, Countess of Moray, later married John Gordon, 11th Earl of Sutherland. She died around 1548.

James also had an illegitimate son, also named James Stewart, with Marion Stewart. He also had a daughter named Elizabeth Stewart.