John Stewart, 1st Earl of Lennox facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Stewart
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| 1st Earl of Lennox | |
Arms of John Stewart, as Earl of Lennox
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| Born | before 1430 |
| Died | between 8 July and 11 September 1495 |
| Noble family | Stewart of Darnley |
| Spouse(s) | Margaret Montgomerie |
| Issue | Matthew Stewart, 2nd Earl of Lennox Robert Stewart, 5th Seigneur d'Aubigny John Stewart, Seigneur d'Oison William Stewart, Seigneur d'Oison Alexander Stewart Lady Marion Stewart Lady Elizabeth Stuart Lady Elizabeth Stewart |
| Father | Alan Stewart of Darnley |
| Mother | Catherine Seton |
John Stewart, the 1st Earl of Lennox, was an important Scottish nobleman. He lived a long time ago, from before 1430 to 1495. He was first known as Lord Darnley before becoming the Earl of Lennox.
Contents
Who Was John Stewart?
John Stewart was the son of Catherine Seton and Alan Stewart of Darnley. His family, the Stewarts of Darnley, was very powerful. They were related to many important people in Scotland's history.
His Famous Relatives
John Stewart's family had a special connection to the Scottish royal family. Through his son, Matthew Stewart, 2nd Earl of Lennox, John Stewart became the great-great-great-grandfather of Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley. Henry Darnley married his cousin, Mary, Queen of Scots.
Mary and Henry's son was James VI, who became King of Scotland. Later, James also became King James I of England. This means John Stewart's family line has been part of the English royal family ever since King James I.
His Role in Scottish Politics
As the head of the powerful Stewart of Darnley family, John Stewart held important jobs. In 1465, he became the Governor of Rothesay Castle. He was also named the Warden of the West Marches of Scotland. This job meant he was in charge of protecting the border with England.
Becoming the Earl of Lennox
The title of Earl of Lennox became available when the last male heir died. John Stewart was one of the people who could claim the title. He made a deal with another heir and became the Earl of Lennox in 1473.
Another person, John of Haldane, tried to say he should be the Earl. But John Stewart won, and his right to be Earl was not questioned for the rest of his life.
Loyalty to King James III
John Stewart was a very loyal supporter of King James III. He stood by the King during a war against rebel lords. These rebels were led by Archibald Douglas, 5th Earl of Angus.
After King James III died at the Battle of Sauchieburn, his young son, James IV, became king. But the rebel lords now controlled the government. John Stewart raised an army to fight against them.
The rebels had taken control of Edinburgh Castle. They also had important royal artillery, including a huge cannon called Mons Meg. This cannon was a gift from Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy to the Scottish King. The rebels used Mons Meg to attack Crookston Castle, which was John Stewart's family home. This forced him to surrender.
After he surrendered, John Stewart was allowed to keep his lands. His eldest son, Matthew Stewart, 2nd Earl of Lennox, inherited them. Matthew Stewart later died fighting in the Battle of Flodden.
His Marriage and Children
John Stewart married Margaret Montgomerie. She was the daughter of Alexander Montgomerie, 1st Lord Montgomerie. They were married in 1438 when they were both still young.
John and Margaret had eight children together.
Sons
- Matthew Stewart, 2nd Earl of Lennox (1460–1513): He was the oldest son and inherited his father's titles. He died at the Battle of Flodden.
- Sir Robert Stewart, 5th Seigneur d'Aubigny (1470–1544)
- Sir John Stewart, Seigneur d'Oison (before 1474–around 1512)
- Sir William Stewart, Seigneur d'Oison (before 1495–before 1504)
- Alexander Stewart (before 1495–before 1509)
Daughters
- Lady Marion Stewart
- Lady Elizabeth Stuart (born 1464): She married Archibald Campbell, 2nd Earl of Argyll.
- Lady Elizabeth Stewart (born before 1476): She married Sir John Colquhoun of Luss, Dumbartonshire.
