John Drummond, 1st Lord Drummond facts for kids

John Drummond, 1st Lord Drummond (died 1519), was an important Scottish leader and statesman. He came from a long line of knights and served the Scottish kings for many years. He was known for his work in government and his role in important events during his time.

Early Life and Political Roles

John Drummond was the oldest son of Sir Malcolm Drummond and Mariota Murray. He became a member of the Scottish parliament in 1471. At that time, he was known as the Lord of Stobhall.

In 1473, he was given important jobs in the area of Strathearn. He became the 'Steward' and 'Coroner', which meant he helped manage the land and keep order.

Diplomatic Missions and Royal Service

John Drummond was often chosen for important missions to other countries. In 1483, he was one of the ambassadors sent to talk with the King of England. He also traveled to England in 1484 to discuss a possible marriage between James, Prince of Scotland (who later became King James IV) and Anne de la Pole, a niece of King Richard III of England.

He also helped settle disagreements along the border between Scotland and England. He was part of a group of commissioners who worked on these issues.

Changing Loyalties and Royal Appointments

In 1475, King James III of Scotland took away John Drummond's job as Steward of Strathearn. This made Drummond unhappy with the King.

Even though he was made a Lord in 1488, he soon joined a group of nobles who were against King James III. After James III died, Drummond supported the new king, James IV. He became a member of James IV's first parliament in October 1488.

In the same year, he was appointed to the King's special council, known as the Privy Council. He also became a judge for Scotland. Later, he was made the Constable of Stirling Castle, which was a very important fortress.

Putting Down a Rebellion

In 1489, a nobleman named John Stewart, 1st Earl of Lennox, started a rebellion against King James IV. Lord Lennox had set up his camp near the Forth River. John Drummond led the King's forces and surprised Lennox's army during the night of October 11. Drummond's forces completely defeated the rebels.

John Drummond continued his work as a commissioner to solve problems along the border with England. He traveled to England several times between 1495 and 1514 for these important talks.

Conflict with the Lyon Herald

In 1514, John Drummond caused some trouble among the Scottish nobles. He supported the marriage of his grandson, Archibald Douglas, 6th Earl of Angus, to Queen Margaret, who was the mother of the young King James V.

The King of Arms, a high-ranking official named Sir William Cumming, was sent to summon Angus to Stirling Castle. John Drummond felt that the herald was too disrespectful when speaking to his grandson. So, Drummond struck the herald.

Imprisonment and Release

In 1515, John Stewart, Duke of Albany, was chosen to rule Scotland as Regent because the King was still a child. John Drummond did not support Albany's election. Because of the incident with the herald, Albany had Drummond arrested on July 16 and sent him to Blackness Castle.

Drummond was put on trial and found guilty. His lands and titles were taken away. However, he soon made peace with Albany. He signed a letter with other lords refusing King Henry VIII of England's request to remove Albany from power. In October 1516, Drummond officially separated from the Queen's political group. As a result, he was released from prison and got his lands and titles back in November 1516.

Family Life

John Drummond passed away in 1519 at Drummond Castle in Strathearn. He was buried in the church of Innerpeffray. His great-grandson, David, took over his title.

John Drummond was married to Elizabeth Lindsay, Lady Drummond. She was the daughter of Alexander Lindsay, 4th Earl of Crawford. Together, they had four sons and six daughters.

• Malcolm, their oldest son, died when he was young.
• David, another son, was involved in a sad event where members of the Murray family died at Monzievaird Church. He was later executed.
• William was alive in 1503.
• John became the ancestor of the Drummonds of Innerpeffray and Riccarton.

Of his daughters:

• Margaret Drummond was a companion to King James IV and died in 1501.
• Elizabeth Drummond married George Douglas. She was the great-grandmother of Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley, who was the husband of Mary, Queen of Scots.
• Beatrix never married.
• Annabella married William Graham, 1st Earl of Montrose.
• Eupheme, who was married to John Fleming, 4th Lord Fleming, died in 1501.
• Sibylla also died in a similar way. The sisters were buried at Dunblane Cathedral.

John Drummond's family line continued and became the ancestors of other important Scottish noble families, including the viscounts of Strathallan and the earls of Perth and Melfort.