John Stewart, 1st Earl of Traquair facts for kids
John Stewart, 1st Earl of Traquair (died March 27, 1659) was an important Scottish leader. He was given the title Baron Stewart of Traquair in 1628 and then Earl of Traquair in 1633.
Contents
Early Life and Career
John Stewart was the son of John Stewart of Traquair, a family from Peeblesshire, Scotland. His mother was Margaret Stewart, who worked for Queen Anne of Denmark.
In 1630, John Stewart became the Treasurer-depute of Scotland, which meant he was an assistant to the main treasurer. He also became an Extraordinary Lord of Session, acting as a judge in Scotland's highest court.
In 1633, he helped prepare for King Charles I's coronation in Edinburgh. This included fixing the Honours of Scotland, which are the Scottish crown jewels and royal clothes.
Working with King Charles I
John Stewart was a key supporter of King Charles I. He became the Lord High Treasurer of Scotland in 1636, managing the country's money. He helped the King try to introduce a new prayer book, called the liturgy, to Scotland.
He tried to tell the King to be careful and avoid extreme actions against people who were protesting the new prayer book. However, he had to announce the King's order that everyone must use the new prayer book. He also helped the King by secretly moving weapons to Dalkeith Palace. But he later had to give up the palace and the crown jewels to the Covenanters, who were people who opposed the King's religious changes.
Challenges and Later Life
After a peace agreement called the Treaty of Berwick in 1639, John Stewart was chosen as the King's representative to a big meeting of the Scottish church in Edinburgh. He agreed in writing to stop the system of bishops in the church. However, he stopped the Scottish parliament from officially approving this change.
Because of his actions, both sides in the conflict started to distrust him. In 1641, the Scottish parliament ordered his arrest. Even though the King helped him avoid a death sentence, John Stewart lost his job as treasurer. In 1644, he was declared an "enemy to religion" and fined a large amount of money because he continued to support the King and oppose the Covenanters.
His son, Lord Linton, was sent to help James Graham, the Marquess of Montrose, who was fighting for the King. But his son left before a major battle, the Battle of Philiphaugh, in 1645. Some people thought John Stewart might have told the Covenanters about Montrose's plans.
John Stewart was allowed back into parliament in 1646. He helped raise soldiers for a new agreement between the King and the Covenanters, but he was captured in 1648. He was released in 1654 by Oliver Cromwell, who was then the leader of England.
John Stewart died on March 27, 1659. His only son, John, became the 2nd Earl of Traquair. The family held the title until 1861, when it ended.
Family Life
John Stewart married Lady Catherine Carnegie. They had three children:
- John Stewart, who became the 2nd Earl of Traquair (born around 1622, died 1666).
- Margaret Stewart, who married James Douglas, 2nd Earl of Queensberry. They were the parents of William Douglas, 1st Duke of Queensberry.
- Elizabeth Stewart, who married Patrick Murray, 2nd Lord Elibank.
See also
- William Armstrong, an outlaw who worked for the Earl.
