John Fleming, 5th Lord Fleming facts for kids

John Fleming, 5th Lord Fleming (born 1529 – died 6 September 1572), was an important Scottish nobleman. He was a strong supporter of Mary, Queen of Scots, during a very challenging time in Scotland's history.

Life of a Scottish Nobleman

John Fleming was the son of Malcolm Fleming, 3rd Lord Fleming. His mother was Johanna Stewart, who was the daughter of King James IV. John became the 5th Lord Fleming after his brother, James Fleming, 4th Lord Fleming, passed away.

Supporting Mary, Queen of Scots

In 1565, John Fleming became the Governor of Dumbarton Castle. This was a very important castle. He also served as the Principal Master Usher for the Queen's Chamber. Lord Fleming was a loyal supporter of Mary, Queen of Scots. He fought for her in major battles like Carberry Hill and Langside.

After the Battle of Langside in 1568, he went with Queen Mary when she fled to England. He returned to Scotland in 1569. During a period known as the Marian Civil War, he continued to hold Dumbarton Castle for Queen Mary.

Challenges for His Family

While Lord Fleming was defending Dumbarton Castle in 1570, his family faced difficulties. Men working for Regent Lennox, who supported King James VI, bothered his family at their homes. These homes were at Biggar and Cumbernauld Castle.

It was reported that his wife and their three young children, the oldest not even three years old, were forced out of their homes. They were treated very badly. Even the family's farm animals, deer, and special white cattle from Cumbernauld were taken.

Escape and Return

Dumbarton Castle eventually fell on 1 April 1571. Lord Fleming managed to escape to France. His wife, Lady Fleming, stayed in Scotland. Regent Lennox allowed her to keep some of her belongings and income from her lands.

In 1572, Lord Fleming returned to Scotland again. He landed at Blackness Castle. He brought money to pay the troops who were still fighting for Queen Mary. He soon joined William Kirkcaldy of Grange, who was holding Edinburgh Castle for Mary.

His Final Days

Shortly after returning, Lord Fleming was wounded in the knee. A musket ball, fired by a French soldier, hit him after bouncing off something. The wound became infected. He was carried in a special chair to Boghall Castle in Biggar. He sadly passed away two months later.

Family Life

John Fleming married Elizabeth Ross on 10 May 1562. Elizabeth was the only child of Robert, Master of Ross. She was also a lady-in-waiting to Mary, Queen of Scots. The wedding celebrations were grand and held in Holyrood Park. There were many shows and events, including a staged sea-battle.

John and Elizabeth had several children:

• John Fleming, who later became the 6th Lord Fleming and then the 1st Earl of Wigtown.
• Margaret Fleming, who married Sir James Forrester of Garden.
• Elizabeth Fleming.
• Jane Fleming, who married William Bruce of Airth.
• Mary Fleming, who married Sir James Douglas, 8th of Drumlanrig.

Lord Fleming also had another daughter named Lucrece Fleming. She married John Stewart of Rosland and later Robert Graham.