John Ramsay, 1st Earl of Holderness facts for kids

John Ramsay, 1st Earl of Holderness (about 1580 – January 1626) was an important Scottish nobleman. He was also known as Sir John Ramsay and later as the Viscount of Haddington. He became a close friend and advisor to King James I. King James ruled both England and Scotland starting in 1603.

A Brave Act and New Titles

John Ramsay was a young page at the Scottish court in 1600. A big event happened that year called the Gowrie Conspiracy. The exact details are still debated today. However, it seems John Ramsay bravely helped King James VI of Scotland. He stopped a plot to harm or kidnap the King. John even stabbed the Earl of Gowrie with his dagger.

For his bravery, John was made a knight that same year. King James rewarded him with many honors. On 11 June 1606, he became the Viscount of Haddington. He also became Lord Ramsay of Barns. In 1609, he received the title Lord Ramsay of Melrose. He also held other important jobs at court. For example, he was a Gentleman of the Bedchamber to King James I. This meant he was a close personal attendant to the King. Before his first marriage in 1608, King James gave him lands. These lands provided him with a good income each year.

Marriage and Royal Favor

John Ramsay's influence grew even more when he got married. He married Lady Elizabeth Radclyffe on 9 February 1608. She was the daughter of the Earl of Sussex. King James himself gave the bride away at the wedding. This showed how much the King liked John Ramsay.

The wedding was a grand event at Whitehall Palace. A special play called a masque was performed. It was called The Hue and Cry After Cupid. Famous artists Ben Jonson and Inigo Jones created it. King James gave John a valuable diamond feather jewel. He also paid off John's debts, which were a large amount of money. The King also sent Lady Haddington a gold cup. Inside the cup was a grant of lands. These lands gave her a good income every year.

Over time, other people became closer to King James. John Ramsay was no longer the King's main favorite. First, Robert Carr, 1st Earl of Somerset became the favorite. Then, George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham took that place.

Later Life and Family

Lady Haddington was also involved in court events. She danced in a masque called Tethys' Festival. This celebration was for Prince Henry becoming the Prince of Wales in 1610. Sadly, Lady Haddington died from smallpox on 6 December 1618. None of their children lived to be adults. Around this time, John Ramsay gave up his title of Lord Ramsay of Melrose. He gave it to his cousin, Sir George Ramsay of Dalhousie. This new Lord Ramsay of Melrose later had his title changed. He became Lord Ramsay of Dalhousie. His family are the ancestors of the Earls of Dalhousie.

In 1619, John Ramsay was disappointed. He had hoped to become the Earl of Montgomery but did not get the title. He left Britain and went to live in France. In 1620, King James wanted his old friend back. He gave John Ramsay a large sum of money. He also created new titles for him in England. On 22 January 1621, John became Baron Kingston upon Thames. He also became the Earl of Holderness.

Around July 1624, Holderness married his second wife. Her name was Martha Cockayne. She was the daughter of a knight from Northamptonshire. They did not have any children. Martha survived him after he passed away.

Death and Legacy

The Earl of Holderness died in January 1626. He was buried on 28 February that year. His burial place is in the Chapel of St Paul, Westminster Abbey. Since he had no children who lived, his family line ended. Later, a lawyer named Sir Thomas Hamilton was given the title of Earl of Haddington.