John Erskine, Earl of Mar (1585–1654) facts for kids
John Erskine, 3rd Earl of Mar (born 1585, died 1654) was an important Scottish landowner. He inherited his title and lands from his father.
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Life and Work
John Erskine was the son of John Erskine, Earl of Mar (1558–1634) and Anne Drummond. His mother passed away when he was young.
Before his father died in 1634, people knew him as John, Lord Erskine, or the "Master of Mar."
A Royal Visit to Stirling Castle
A very interesting event happened when John Erskine was younger. Prince Henry, the son of James VI and I (the King of Scotland and England) and Anne of Denmark (the Queen), was living at Stirling Castle.
In 1603, King James moved to England. Queen Anne came to Stirling Castle on May 10 to take her son, Prince Henry, with her. John Erskine and his stepmother, Marie Stewart, Countess of Mar, were there. They did not let the Queen take Prince Henry.
John's father, the Earl of Mar, arrived two days later. He sent John to London with messages for the King. The King understood why his family had acted that way. He believed they were just trying to serve him faithfully.
Travels and Royal Connections
In May 1605, John Erskine traveled to Venice. There, the ambassador Henry Wotton introduced him to the Doge, who was the leader of Venice. The Doge, Marino Grimani, even complimented John on his noble looks!
John Erskine also took part in a special play called a masque. This was at a wedding in February 1608. It was known as Lord Haddington's Masque or The Hue and Cry After Cupid.
On May 30, 1610, John Erskine was made a knight. This happened when Prince Henry was given the title of Prince of Wales.
Managing Estates and Castles
In September 1613, John Erskine welcomed the Venetian ambassador, Antonio Foscarini, to Stirling Castle. The ambassador had visited Scotland after talking with Queen Anne of Denmark.
In 1638, John Erskine wrote to King Charles I. He told the King that Stirling Castle and its park walls needed repairs. The King then ordered the Earl of Traquair to make sure the repairs were done.
In 1645, Robert Farquharson of Invercauld helped look after Kildrummy Castle for the Earl and his son. Another local leader, the laird of Glenkindie, also helped. They wanted to protect their lands from soldiers.
The main home of the Earl of Mar was Alloa Tower.
Family Life
In 1610, John Erskine married Christian Hay. She was the daughter of Francis Hay, 9th Earl of Erroll and Elizabeth Douglas.
John and Christian had several children, including:
- John Erskine, who later became the Earl of Mar.
- Francis Erskine (died 1662).
- Elizabeth Erskine, who married Archibald Napier. She was held in Edinburgh Castle in August 1645 with her sister-in-law.
- Mary Erskine.
In October 1613, Christian's father, the Earl of Erroll, wrote to John Erskine. He congratulated them on the birth of their son. He also asked for his daughter, Christian, to return home because he was feeling unwell.
