John Leslie, Lord Newton facts for kids
Sir John Leslie, also known as Lord Newton of Birkhill and Newton, was an important Scottish figure in the 1600s. He was a landowner, a judge, and a soldier. He lived from about 1595 to 1651.
He sadly died during the Siege of Dundee (1651). He was fighting alongside his oldest son against the English army. They were helping his cousin, General Leslie.
A Look at Sir John Leslie's Life
Sir John Leslie was born at Rothes Castle. His father was Andrew Leslie, the 5th Earl of Rothes. In 1614, Sir John inherited Newton Castle near Blairgowrie. This castle was actually a strong, fortified house built by his grandfather around 1550.
Sir John became a lawyer around 1625. He likely worked in Dundee. In 1641, he was chosen to be a judge in Edinburgh. This important role was called a Senator of the College of Justice. He then took the special title Lord Newton. In 1645, he was also made a Commissioner of the Exchequer in Scotland. This meant he helped manage the country's money.
Around 1646, he became a Lieutenant Colonel in the King's Horse Guards. He fought in the Royalist army against Cromwell during the English Civil War. He was in charge of the cavalry, working under his cousin, General David Leslie. Their similar names sometimes caused a little confusion! In 1648, he helped try to rescue King Charles I of England from Carisbrooke Castle.
In 1649, he lost his job as a judge. This was because of a rule called the Act of Classes, which decided who could be a judge. After that, he focused on being a soldier. This was very important during the Civil War happening at the time. He was probably at the Battle of Dunbar (1650).
Sir John Leslie was killed on September 1, 1651. He was fighting to defend the city of Dundee from the English army. His son was also killed fighting alongside him. This happened in the last months of the English Civil War. At least 500 people from Dundee died in this battle. It was one of the final battles of the Civil War. Because of how he died, it's thought he was buried in a mass grave in Dundee.
Sir John Leslie's Family
Sir John Leslie was married to Elizabeth Gray. She was the daughter of Patrick Gray, 6th Lord Gray.
His oldest son, John Leslie, was killed with him during the Siege of Dundee (1651). His second son was Andrew Leslie. He later became known as Andrew Leslie of Quarter.
