John Ramsay, 1st Lord Bothwell facts for kids

John Ramsay, 1st Lord Bothwell (born around 1464 – died 9 September 1513) was an important Scottish nobleman and a close helper to the King. He was also known as Sir John Ramsay of Trarinzeane. He played a big part in the Scottish court during the reigns of King James III and King James IV.

Early Life and Family

John Ramsay was the son of John Ramsay of Corstoun in Fife. His mother was Janet Napier. Later, Janet Napier married John Wilson.

John Ramsay was married three times. His first wife was Isabel Cant in 1484. Later, he married Janet Kennedy around 1505. Janet Kennedy was a close friend of King James IV. This marriage might have been for political reasons. John and Janet later divorced. After that, he married Isobel Livingston before 1508.

Life at Court

John Ramsay was a trusted helper to King James III of Scotland. He was one of the King's "favourites," which meant he was very close to the King. However, many of the older, powerful noble families did not like this. They felt that the King relied too much on people like Ramsay, who were not from the traditional noble families.

In 1484, King James III gave John Ramsay the important title of Lord Bothwell. This made him a powerful nobleman.

Escape at Lauder Bridge

In July 1482, there was a big conflict at Lauder Bridge. The King's opponents wanted to remove his close helpers. John Ramsay was one of the few who survived. Some stories say he jumped onto the King's horse to escape. Other stories say he held onto the King and begged for his life. The King convinced the noblemen to spare him because he was very young, perhaps only 18.

Royal Duties

After this event, John Ramsay continued to serve the King. He was part of the Scottish Parliament in 1485 and 1487 as Lord Bothwell. He was also the Master of the Household, which meant he managed the King's home. He was allowed to carry weapons inside the royal palace, probably as a bodyguard for the King.

He also worked as an auditor, checking the King's money. In 1485 and 1486, he was an ambassador to England. This meant he represented Scotland in talks with the English King.

After King James III's Death

In 1488, King James III died at the Battle of Sauchieburn. After this, John Ramsay lost his title of Lord Bothwell. He went to England and worked for King Henry VII of England. He even acted as a spy, sending information about Scotland to England.

Return to Scotland

In 1496, John Ramsay was allowed to return to Scotland by the new King, James IV of Scotland. He still helped Henry VII, even advising him on how to stop a planned invasion of England by James IV.

In 1497, he was officially forgiven by King James IV. He did not get back his old title of Lord Bothwell. However, he received land grants in Fife, Ayrshire, and Wigtownshire. He then became known as Sir John Ramsay of Trarinzeane.

Later Achievements

By 1503, John Ramsay was the Captain of Linlithgow, likely in charge of the royal palace there. He played a key role in arranging the marriage between King James IV of Scotland and the daughter of Henry VII of England. This marriage was very important because it helped create a stronger relationship between Scotland and England. It was a step towards the future union of the two kingdoms.

In 1510, King James IV gave him more land and the title of Baron of Balmain. This was a reward for his good service to the King.

Death

John Ramsay died on 9 September 1513 at the Battle of Flodden. This was a major battle between Scotland and England. He was killed in action while fighting for Scotland.

His son, William, was born around 1510. William was looked after by James Chisholm, who was John Ramsay's half-brother. William later became an ancestor of the Ramsays of Balmain.