John Maxwell, 8th Lord Maxwell facts for kids
John Maxwell, 8th Lord Maxwell (born 1553, died 1593) was an important Scottish nobleman. He was a Catholic and held a high position in Scotland. In 1581, he was given the title of Earl of Morton. In 1587, he traveled to Spain and helped plan the famous Spanish Armada.
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Who Was John Maxwell?
Early Life and Family
The Maxwell family was a very powerful noble family in south-west Scotland. They had owned Caerlaverock Castle near Dumfries since the 1200s. John Maxwell was born in 1553. He became the 8th Lord Maxwell when he was only two years old. This happened after his older brother passed away.
A Powerful Leader
John Maxwell served on the Privy Council of Scotland. This was a group of important advisors to the king. He also worked as the Warden of the West Marches from 1571 to 1577. This job meant he was in charge of keeping peace and order along the border with England.
In 1581, another nobleman, James Douglas, 4th Earl of Morton, faced serious legal issues and lost his titles. On October 29, 1581, John Maxwell was given the title of Earl of Morton. He also received lands that came with this title. Even though there were later changes about who officially held the title, John Maxwell continued to use it until he died.
His Faith and Travel
In 1585, John Maxwell returned to the Roman Catholic faith. He held Catholic services at Lincluden Collegiate Church. Because of this, he was put in Edinburgh Castle. Later, he was placed under house arrest in Edinburgh.
In 1587, he was allowed to travel overseas. He went to Madrid, the capital of Spain. There, he helped plan the Spanish Armada. This was a huge fleet of ships that Spain intended to send against England in 1588.
Return to Scotland
Maxwell came back to Scotland in May 1588. He arrived in Dundee and traveled secretly, dressed like a regular traveler. King James VI ordered him to give up his castles. These included Lochmaben Castle, Langholm, Threave Castle, and Caerlaverock Castle.
Lochmaben Castle was surrounded by the king's forces. Maxwell was arrested for acting against the king. He was held in Edinburgh Tolbooth and then in Blackness Castle. He was finally set free in 1589 after a large payment was made. In 1592, he was again made Warden of the West Marches.
Family and Legacy
On December 7, 1593, Lord Maxwell was killed. This happened during a long-standing disagreement with the Johnstone family. The fight took place at Dryfe Sands near Lockerbie. His son, John Maxwell, 9th Lord Maxwell, continued the family disagreement. He was later executed in 1613 for taking revenge on Sir James Johnstone.
Lord Maxwell married Elizabeth Douglas. She was the daughter of the 7th Earl of Angus. They had seven children together:
- John Maxwell, 9th Lord Maxwell (1583–1613)
- Robert Maxwell, 1st Earl of Nithsdale (after 1586–1646)
- James
- Elizabeth, who married John Maxwell, 6th Lord Herries
- Margaret (1580–1630), who married John Wallace
- Jean
- Agnes
