John Lindsay, 17th Earl of Crawford facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Right Honourable The Earl of Crawford and Lindsay
Portrait of Lord Crawford and Lindsay
Treasurer of Scotland
In office 1644–1663
Preceded by	The Earl of Traquair
Succeeded by	The Earl of Rothes
Personal details
Born	John Lindsay c. 1598
Died	1679
Spouses	Lady Margaret Hamilton ​ ​ (m. 1630; her death 1678)​
Children	Anne Crawford-Lindsay William Lindsay, 18th Earl of Crawford
Parents	Robert Lindsay, 9th Lord Lindsay Lady Christian Hamilton
Relatives	Olivia Wilde (descendant)

John Lindsay was an important Scottish nobleman. He lived from about 1598 to 1679. He held the titles of the 17th Earl of Crawford and the 1st Earl of Lindsay. He played a big role in Scottish politics during a time of great change.

John Lindsay's Early Life

John Lindsay was born around 1598. He was the oldest son of Robert Lindsay, 9th Lord Lindsay. His mother was Lady Christian Hamilton. When his father passed away in 1616, John's mother later married Robert Boyd, 7th Lord Boyd.

His grandparents were also important figures. His grandfather, James Lindsay, 7th Lord Lindsay, worked for King James. His grandmother was Lady Eupheme Leslie.

John Lindsay's Career in Scotland

When his father died in 1616, John became the 10th Lord Lindsay of the Byres. This was his first important title.

Becoming an Earl

In 1633, John Lindsay was given a new title. He became the first Earl of Lindsay. Later, in 1652, he also received the title of Earl of Crawford. This happened after his cousin, Ludovic Lindsay, 16th Earl of Crawford, lost his title.

Important Political Roles

John Lindsay became the Treasurer of Scotland in 1644. This was a very important job. It meant he was in charge of the country's money. In 1645, he also became the President of Parliament.

Role in the Wars of the Three Kingdoms

During the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, John Lindsay had a complicated role. He generally supported a moderate Presbyterian group. This group wanted to make a deal with King Charles I.

He fought in battles for the Scottish Parliament's army. One famous battle was the Battle of Marston Moor. He also fought against the royalist general Montrose at the Battle of Kilsyth. He was later captured by the English army at Alyth.

Changing Sides and Imprisonment

After being captured, John Lindsay changed his support. In 1647, he signed an agreement to help free King Charles I. Because of this, he lost all his important jobs. His enemy, the Marquess of Argyll, gained power.

After the Scottish army lost the Battle of Dunbar in 1650, John Lindsay gained influence again. However, he was captured once more in 1651 at Alyth. He remained a prisoner in England for nine years, until 1660.

Restoration and Resignation

In 1661, John Lindsay got his titles and positions back. But he refused to give up his religious beliefs. Because of this, he had to resign from his offices two years later.

John Lindsay's Family Life

Around 1630, Lord Lindsay married Lady Margaret Hamilton. She passed away in 1678. Together, they had several children.

• Lady Anne Lindsay (1631–1689) married John Leslie, 1st Duke of Rothes.
• Lady Christian Lindsay (around 1632–1704) married John Hamilton, 4th Earl of Haddington.
• William Lindsay, 18th Earl of Crawford (1644–1698) was his son. He became the next Earl.
• Hon. Patrick Lindsay (1646–1681) later took the name Crawford.

John Lindsay was succeeded by his son, William, as the next Earl.