James Stewart, 2nd Earl of Moray facts for kids
James Stewart (later Stuart), the 2nd Earl of Moray, was a Scottish nobleman who lived from about 1565 to 1592. He was the son of James Stewart, 1st Lord Doune. He became known as the "Bonnie Earl" because he was very good-looking. Sadly, he was murdered by George Gordon, Earl of Huntly. This event was part of a long-standing feud between their families. His story became famous in a popular Scottish song called "The Bonnie Earl of Moray".
Contents
Life of the Bonnie Earl
Early Years and Marriage
James Stewart was the oldest son of James Stewart. His family was connected to the Scottish royal family through Robert II of Scotland. In 1580, King James VI arranged for him to marry Elizabeth Stewart. She was the elder daughter of the important leader known as the Regent Moray.
Their wedding took place on January 31, 1581, in Fife. It was a big celebration with a special tournament. King James VI himself even joined in the fun. Two days later, the party moved to Leith. There, a water show ended with a pretend attack on a castle built on boats. After marrying Elizabeth, James took on the title of the Earl of Moray. He also worked as a Collector General, managing income from the church.
Rivalry and Conflicts
Earl James wanted to become the most powerful lord in northeast Scotland. This goal often put him in conflict with his neighbor, the Earl of Huntly. In 1588, James was appointed to help against the Spanish armada. In 1590, he was also asked to act against the Jesuits.
Later, Earl James made an alliance with his wife's cousin, Francis Stewart, 5th Earl of Bothwell. Bothwell was a well-known plotter who had tried to challenge King James VI many times. The famous song "The Bonnie Earl of Moray" suggests that James was "the Queen's love." However, there is no proof that he was romantically involved with Anne of Denmark, the Queen. This idea might have come from the King's own feelings about the situation.
In late 1590, James Stewart and the Earl of Atholl helped the Laird of Grant. The Laird's home was being attacked by Huntly. Huntly then went to Edinburgh. In January 1591, Huntly complained about Moray helping "malefactors in the north." Both earls were told to come to Edinburgh and promise to keep the peace.
The Murder of Moray
Huntly received a special order from King James VI. This order allowed him to pursue Bothwell and his friends. The King worried that Bothwell was planning a rebellion. To stop Bothwell from hiding with the Earl of Moray, the King sent Lord Ochiltree. Lord Ochiltree convinced Moray to come south, promising him a pardon.
Moray expected to be called to court. He arrived at Donibristle, a house on the Fife coast owned by his mother. On February 7, 1592, Huntly's followers suddenly surrounded Donibristle. They demanded that Moray surrender. He refused, so Huntly set the house on fire. Moray stayed inside for a while. Then, he bravely rushed out, breaking through the people surrounding the house. He tried to reach the rocks by the seashore. However, the bright glow of his burning helmet tassel supposedly showed his location. He was then killed.
Aftermath of the Murder
The next day, the bodies of Earl Moray and Dunbar, who was also killed, were brought to Leith. Moray's mother, Margaret Campbell, brought them. She was a strong woman and wanted to confront King James VI. She demanded that Huntly be brought to justice. The King said he was innocent in the matter.
Margaret Campbell put more pressure on the King. She had her son's body displayed in the Church of St. Giles. She refused to bury him. She also ordered a special painting that showed his wounds. This was a way to demand justice. When Margaret died soon after, James Stewart's body remained on display for five years. It was only buried when the King ordered his son, James, to do so.
One of Huntly's followers, Captain Gordon, was wounded and could not escape. He was brought to Edinburgh and executed. But this was not enough for the public. The King decided to leave Edinburgh for Glasgow. Huntly then turned himself in at Blackness Castle on March 12. However, he was released on March 20. He only had to promise to appear for trial if called upon. The murder remains famous today. Earl Moray was only 27 years old when he died. His killer's punishment was just a week of house arrest.
Family Life
James Stewart married Elizabeth Stewart between 1580 and 1581. Elizabeth died three months before he did. They had two sons and three daughters:
- Lady Grizel Stuart, who married Sir Robert Innes, 1st Baronet Innes. They had children.
- Lady Margaret Stuart (1591-1639). She first married Charles Howard, 1st Earl of Nottingham and had children. She later married William Monson, Viscount Monson.
- James Stuart, 3rd Earl of Moray (born before 1591, died 1638). He married Lady Anne Gordon and had children, including James Stuart, 4th Earl of Moray.
- Lady Elizabeth Stuart, who married John Abernethy, 8th Lord Abernethy of Saltoun.
- Sir Francis Stewart, a Knight of the Order of the Bath. He was well-known in London's literary circles. He is said to have visited the famous Mermaid tavern.
