James Stewart of Cardonald facts for kids

James Stewart of Cardonald (1512-1584) was a Scottish landowner and soldier who lived a long time ago. His family owned land in a place called Cardonald, which is near Glasgow in Scotland. His main home was a castle known as the Place of Cardonald, or Cardonald Castle. It was located right next to the River Cart. Sadly, this old castle has been taken down. People once found a special stone there with his initials, "J.S.", and the year "1565" carved into it, along with a helmet.

James Stewart and the Rough Wooing

During a big conflict between Scotland and England, which historians now call the Rough Wooing, James Stewart played an important role. This war was about England trying to force Scotland to agree to a marriage between the young Scottish queen, Mary, Queen of Scots, and the English prince.

James Stewart sent letters to important people on both sides. He wrote to Mary of Guise, who was the Queen Regent of Scotland (meaning she ruled for her young daughter, Mary, Queen of Scots). He also wrote to English leaders like Thomas Wharton. James Stewart was related to and supported the Earl of Lennox, another powerful Scottish noble.

Helping French Allies

In October 1543, seven ships arrived at Dumbarton Castle. James Stewart of Cardonald was given the job of looking after some important visitors from France. These visitors were Jacques de la Brosse and a lawyer named Jacques Ménage. Stewart wrote to Cardinal Beaton, a very important church leader in Scotland, saying that these French visitors were "na grett personages" (not very important people). However, they did bring "sellvar and artellyery monesyzonis pekes and halberdes," which means they brought silver, artillery supplies, pikes (long spears), and halberds (axe-like weapons). These were important supplies for the Scottish army.

Sending News to England

Even though he was Scottish, James Stewart also sent news to England during the Rough Wooing. For example, in April 1547, he reported that new defense structures, called spur fortifications, were being built at Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle. These were important updates for the English side to know.

Service to Mary, Queen of Scots

Later, in 1561, James Stewart became the captain of the guard for Mary, Queen of Scots herself. This was a very important job, as he was responsible for the Queen's safety.

On January 18, 1565, James Stewart was attacked and hurt on the High Street in Edinburgh. Three members of the Hume family were responsible for this attack. He passed away in 1584.

His Family Connections

James Stewart had several family members who were also important in Scottish society.

• His sister, Margaret Stewart, married John Stewart of Minto. Their children included Walter Stewart, 1st Lord Blantyre, who became a powerful lord.
• His brother, Matthew Stewart, married Jehane Montgomerie. She was the daughter of Hugh Montgomerie, 2nd Earl of Eglinton and Marion or Mariota Seton. Marion was also the sister of George Seton, 6th Lord Seton.
• His brother, Alan Stewart, was a "Commendator" or Abbot of Crossraguel. This meant he was in charge of a religious house. A writer named Richard Bannatyne mentioned that Allan Stewart was a good friend to James Stewart of Cardonald.