John Gordon, 13th Earl of Sutherland facts for kids
John Gordon, 13th Earl of Sutherland (born 1576, died 1615) was an important Scottish nobleman. He owned a lot of land and was involved with the royal court.
He was the son of Alexander Gordon, 12th Earl of Sutherland and Jean Gordon. His mother was the daughter of George Gordon, 4th Earl of Huntly.
John Gordon spent two years studying in France. He returned to Scotland in the year 1600.
Adventures and Royal Visits
In August 1602, John Gordon went on an exciting trip. He sailed from Cromarty to the Orkney Islands with some friends. These friends included Hugh Mackay of Farr and Donald Macleod of Assynt. His brother, Sir Robert Gordon, 1st Baronet, also joined them. They sailed on a ship called the Dunkirk. This ship belonged to Patrick Stewart, 2nd Earl of Orkney. They visited the Earl's palaces in Kirkwall and Birsay.
A few years later, in 1604, Earl Patrick visited John Gordon. He came to the christening of John's first son, who was named Patrick. The event took place at Dornoch Castle. Everyone enjoyed games and comedies during the celebration.
Family Life
John Gordon married Agnes Elphinstone in a special double wedding. Agnes was the daughter of Alexander Elphinstone, 4th Lord Elphinstone, who was the Treasurer of Scotland. The wedding happened on February 5, 1600. Agnes's sister, Jean, also got married that day to Arthur, Master of Forbes.
The wedding celebration lasted for two days. It was held at the Elphinstone family home in Edinburgh. Even King James VI and Queen Anne of Denmark were guests! As wedding presents, King James gave both brides beautiful sets of gold and pearl jewelry. These sets included necklaces, belts, and hair decorations.
John and Agnes had several children:
- John Gordon, 14th Earl of Sutherland
- Colonel George Gordon
- Elizabeth Gordon, who married Sir James Crichton of Frendraught. Their wedding was on February 25, 1619, at the Castle of Bog of Gight. This castle is now called Gordon Castle. Their oldest son was James Crichton, 1st Viscount Frendraught.
- Anne Gordon, who married Sir Gilbert Menzies of Pitfoddels. Sadly, she died in a shipwreck in 1648.
Later Life
John Gordon became ill at Dunrobin Castle. He was then taken to Dornoch, where he passed away on September 11, 1615.
