John Maxwell, 4th Lord Maxwell facts for kids
John Maxwell, 4th Lord Maxwell (who died on September 9, 1513) was an important Scottish nobleman. He was the leader of the powerful Maxwell family, a well-known clan from the Scottish Borders.
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Who Was John Maxwell?
John Maxwell was the oldest son of John Maxwell, 3rd Lord Maxwell and Janet Crichton. His mother was the daughter of George Crichton, 1st Earl of Caithness. The Maxwell family was a very old and important group in the Scottish Borders. Their main home was Caerlaverock Castle, located near the town of Dumfries.
Life and Responsibilities
John Maxwell took over his family's lands and responsibilities after his father.
- In 1485, he officially gained control of his grandfather's lands at Carnsalloch.
- In 1486, he inherited his father's lands of Maxwell.
- Also in 1486, he was given a very important job: Warden of the West Marches. This meant he was in charge of keeping peace and order along the western part of the border between Scotland and England.
- In October 1488, he attended the very first Parliament (a meeting of important people to make laws) held by King James IV.
Conflict with the Crichtons
One of the most talked-about events in Maxwell's life happened on July 30, 1508. He was involved in a fight with Robert Crichton, 2nd Lord Crichton of Sanquhar outside a courthouse in Dumfries. The Maxwell and Crichton families had been rivals for a long time, competing for power in the Nithsdale area.
Maxwell, along with William Douglas of Drumlanrig, led a large group of people into Dumfries. During the conflict, Lord Crichton and his group were chased away from Dumfries. Sadly, some people were killed, including the Laird of Dalyell and the young Laird of Cranchlay. This event caused a lot of bad feelings between the families. Even after this serious incident, John Maxwell did not face much punishment.
Battle of Flodden
John Maxwell was one of many Scottish nobles who died fighting in the Battle of Flodden. This major battle took place on September 9, 1513.
Family Life
In 1491 or 1492, John Maxwell married Agnes Stewart, the daughter of Sir Alexander Stewart of Garlies. Agnes was still alive in 1530. They had at least eight children together:
- Robert Maxwell, 5th Lord Maxwell – He became a very important person, serving as a Regent of the Isle of Arran, Warden of the West Marches, and Lord High Admiral. He was also Lord Provost of Edinburgh and a member of the council that ruled Scotland.
- Herbert Maxwell – He was an ancestor of another branch of the Maxwell family, the Maxwells of Clowden.
- John Maxwell – He became the Abbot (head) of Dundrennan Abbey in 1524.
- Edward Maxwell – He was still alive in 1540.
- Mary Maxwell – She married James Johnstone of that Ilk.
- Agnes Maxwell – She married Robert Charteris of Amisfield.
- Isobel Maxwell – She married Laird Robert Porterfield.
- Katherine Maxwell – She married Ninian Glendoning of Parton.
John Maxwell also had two sons outside of marriage, named Henry and John.
