James Stewart, Earl of Arran facts for kids

Arms of James Stewart

Captain James Stewart, Earl of Arran (died 1595) was a very important person in Scotland during the time of the young King James VI. He became the Earl of Arran, taking this title from another nobleman. He also rose to become the Lord Chancellor of Scotland, which was a top government job. Sadly, he was murdered in 1595.

James Stewart's Early Life and Rise to Power

James Stewart was the second son of Andrew Stewart, who was the 2nd Lord Ochiltree. His sister, Margaret, was married to a famous religious leader named John Knox.

In April 1573, James was sent to England as a "pledge" or hostage. This was to make sure the English army and their cannons were safe when they helped Scotland during the "Lang Siege" of Edinburgh Castle. This castle was held by people who supported Mary, Queen of Scots.

James was the Captain of King James VI's Royal Guard. He also fought with Dutch forces against the Spanish in the Netherlands. He returned to Scotland in 1579.

Becoming a Royal Favorite

James quickly became a close friend and favorite of the young King James VI. In 1580, he was made a Gentleman of the Bedchamber, a special role close to the king.

He was a supporter of Esmé Stewart, who later became the Duke of Lennox. In January 1580, James Stewart accused the powerful Regent Morton of being involved in the murder of Lord Darnley, King James VI's father.

As a reward, Stewart was given control over the earldom of Arran, which belonged to the mentally ill James Hamilton, 3rd Earl of Arran. On April 22, 1581, James Stewart himself was made the Earl of Arran. He even claimed to be the second most important person in the country, after the king. He often lived at Kinneil House, which was a Hamilton family home. For a while, people even called it Arran House.

In July 1581, he married Elizabeth Stewart. She was the daughter of John Stewart, 4th Earl of Atholl, and had been married before.

Working with the Duke of Lennox

Esmé Stewart was made the Duke of Lennox. He and Arran became partners in running the government. They were also rivals, each wanting to be the most powerful.

Their way of governing Scotland, and their letters with France and Spain, made them unpopular in England. Some strict Protestants in Scotland also disliked them. However, King James really liked Lennox and enjoyed his company.

The Ruthven Raid

In August 1582, Lennox and Arran held a meeting of the Privy Council in Perth. The King was invited to go hunting in Perthshire. On August 22, 1582, he was taken at Huntingtower Castle by the Earl of Gowrie and his political group. This event is known as the Ruthven Raid.

The next day, they gave the King a statement saying that Lennox and Arran had caused many problems in Scotland. Arran went to Huntingtower and was arrested by the raiders. Lennox was sent away to France and later died. Gowrie's group controlled Scotland for ten months.

Arran had some valuable jewels that belonged to King James VI or his mother, Mary, Queen of Scots. In May 1583, his wife, Elizabeth Stewart, returned some pearl, ruby, and diamond buttons. Later, in 1585, they returned more royal jewels, including a famous one called the "Great H of Scotland".

Arran's Time in Power

Arran gathered a large group of 12,000 men and got his power back in July 1583. He remained in charge for two years. The Ruthven Raiders and their supporters were sent away to England.

Arran became the provost (like a mayor) of Edinburgh and a top general of the royal army. He took action against some parts of the Scottish church and against the lords who had been part of the Ruthven Raid. His wife's involvement in the government also caused some criticism.

In November 1584, Arran was put in charge of Edinburgh Castle. He was asked to check its defenses and look for a new well, using his knowledge of military matters. To keep good relations with England, Arran sent copies of the King's poetry book to important English noblemen.

Arran's power began to weaken partly because of his own diplomat in London, the young Master of Gray.

King James VI gave Dirleton Castle to Arran. Arran hosted the King there for twelve days in May 1585, because there was a plague in Edinburgh. The King enjoyed a grand feast and a play.

Arran lost his power after an incident on the border in July 1585. An Englishman named Francis Russell was killed. The English ambassador accused Arran of being involved. Arran was first held at St Andrews Castle and then placed under house arrest at his home, Kinneil House.

He could not stop the lords who had been exiled during the Ruthven Raid from returning from England. They took Stirling Castle in November 1586 and declared Arran a traitor.

Later Life and Death

Even though he was ordered to leave the country, James Stewart spent the rest of his life quietly in Ayrshire. However, he stayed in touch with King James and might have done some secret tasks for him.

In December 1592, Stewart met the king at Holyroodhouse. Some people even called him 'Lord Chancellor' again. He also met the Queen, Anne of Denmark. However, King James announced that he would not employ Stewart in government again.

James Stewart was murdered by Sir James Douglas of Parkhead, who was a nephew of the former Regent Morton, on December 5, 1595.