James Stewart, 1st Duke of Richmond facts for kids
James Stewart was an important Scottish nobleman who lived from 1612 to 1655. He was a cousin of King Charles I and a strong supporter of the King during the English Civil War. This war was a big conflict between the King and Parliament.
James was a key member of the Royalist party, meaning he sided with the King. He also held important positions, like being a Privy Councillor, which meant he advised the King. From 1641 to 1642, he was the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, a role that protected important coastal towns.
In 1643, James had to leave England for five months. But he soon returned to help defend the city of Oxford for the King.
Quick facts for kids
James Stewart, 1st Duke of Richmond
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James Stewart Duke of Lennox and Richmond, 1637, by Sir Anthony van Dyck
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| Born | 6 April 1612 Scotland |
| Died | 30 March 1655 (aged 42) Scotland |
| Allegiance |  Kingdom of Scotland |
| Service/ |
 Royal Scots Navy |
| Rank | Lord High Admiral of Scotland |
Contents
Early Life and Family
James was born on April 6, 1612, in Scotland. He was the oldest son of Esmé Stewart, 3rd Duke of Lennox and his wife, Katherine Clifton, 2nd Baroness Clifton.
Becoming a Duke
When his father passed away in 1624, James inherited the title of Duke of Lennox. He was only 13 years old at the time.
In 1625, King Charles I made him a Gentleman of the Bedchamber. This was an important role, meaning he was a close attendant to the King. The King also made him a knight in 1630 and gave him the special honor of being a Knight of the Garter in 1633.
The Duke of Richmond Title
The title of Duke of Richmond had a long history. It had been part of the royal family since 1485.
James Stewart's uncle, Ludovic Stewart, 2nd Duke of Lennox, was also given the title of Duke of Richmond in 1623. However, Ludovic died without children, so that title ended.
In 1641, King Charles I decided to bring the Duke of Richmond title back. He gave it to James Stewart, who was already the 4th Duke of Lennox. James also received Cobham Hall and the land around it in Cobham, Kent. This became his main home.
Marriage and Children
On August 3, 1637, James married Mary Villiers. She was the daughter of George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham, another very powerful nobleman.
James and Mary had two children:
- Esmé Stewart (1649–1660): He became the 2nd Duke of Richmond and 5th Duke of Lennox after his father. Sadly, he died when he was only 10 years old.
- Lady Mary Stewart (1651–1668): She became Baroness Clifton. She married Richard Butler, the 1st Earl of Arran, but they did not have any children.
Later Life and Death
James Stewart passed away on March 30, 1655, when he was 42 years old. He was buried in Westminster Abbey, a very famous church in London where many important people are laid to rest.
See also
- Lord Bernard Stewart (James's younger brother)
- Siege of Oxford
