John Ross, 1st Lord Ross facts for kids
John Ross was an important Scottish nobleman who lived a long time ago. He was the first person to be called Lord Ross of Halkhead. He died in 1501.
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Family Roots
The Ross family of Halkhead was a Scottish noble family. They were not connected to other famous Ross families from the Highlands. Their family got the land called Halkhead in Renfrewshire in 1367. This land was given to an earlier John Ross by Robert II of Scotland. The John Ross we are talking about was the son of Sir John Ross. His father was also the Constable (or guardian) of Renfrew Castle.
Key Moments in His Life
A Tournament Champion
On February 25, 1449, John Ross was one of three Scottish champions. They took part in a special tournament in Stirling. They competed against three knights from Burgundy. It is said that John Ross fought bravely and ended his match in a draw.
Becoming a Knight and Landowner
In 1450, John Ross was made a knight. This was a great honor. In 1451, he received official papers for new lands. These lands were called Tarbert in Ayrshire and Auchinbak in Renfrewshire.
Important Roles and Titles
John Ross held several important jobs for the King:
- From 1463 to 1468, he was the Keeper of Blackness Castle. This meant he was in charge of the castle's safety.
- He became the Sheriff of Linlithgow before 1468. He was given this job for life in 1473. A sheriff was like a local governor or judge.
- In 1473, he was given permission to travel safely to England. This was because he was acting as an Ambassador for Scotland. An ambassador represents their country in another land.
- By May 31, 1499, he was given the special title of Lord Ross of Halkhead. This made him a powerful nobleman.
John Ross passed away sometime between December 1500 and October 1501.
His Family Life
John Ross was married twice. His first wife was Marjory Mure. After 1491, he married Marion Baillie. This second marriage later ended in divorce.
With his first wife, Marjory, he had a son named Robert. Robert married Agnes Melville. Sadly, Robert died before his father. Because of this, John Ross was succeeded by his grandson, also named John.
John Ross also had a daughter named Giles. She married James Auchinleck in 1480.
