James Stuart, 4th Earl of Moray facts for kids
James Stuart was an important Scottish nobleman who lived a long time ago. He was known as the 4th Earl of Moray. He was born around 1611 and passed away in 1653. He was a significant landowner in Scotland during the 17th century.
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Early Life and Family Connections
James Stuart was the son of James Stuart, 3rd Earl of Moray. His mother was Lady Anne Gordon. Her parents were George Gordon, 1st Marquess of Huntly and Henrietta Stewart. This means James came from a very important family with strong connections in Scotland.
Marriage and Children
James Stuart married Lady Margaret Home on October 18, 1627. Lady Margaret was the daughter of Alexander Home, 1st Earl of Home and Mary Dudley. James and Margaret had eight children together:
- James Stuart, Lord Doune
- Alexander Stuart, 5th Earl of Moray, who later became the 5th Earl of Moray
- Hon. Francis Stuart
- Hon. Archibald Stuart, who was the Governor of Stirling Castle
- Lady Margaret Stuart
- Lady Henrietta Stuart
- Lady Anne Stuart (who died young)
- Lady Anne Stuart (born later)
- Lady Mary Stuart
Homes and Estates
The Earl and Countess worked to improve their home at Donibristle. They hired skilled artists and painters from England, including Edward Arthur and George Crawford. They even added a beautiful fountain with a bronze statue of Mercury, a Roman god. After the Earl passed away, the Countess continued to care for their properties. She looked after Moray House in Edinburgh and its gardens. She also planted many trees at Donibristle.
Family Portraits
There were portraits of "Lord Doune" at Ham House in 1677 and 1679. These paintings might have been of James Stuart himself, before he became Earl of Moray in 1638. Or they could have been of his eldest son, James, who was also known as Lord Doune. Ham House belonged to the Earl's brother-in-law, John Maitland, 1st Duke of Lauderdale.
Images for kids
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A portrait of James Stewart, 2nd Earl of Moray, an ancestor of the 4th Earl.
