John Stewart, 3rd Earl of Atholl facts for kids

John Stewart, who became the 3rd Earl of Atholl, was born in 1507. His father was John Stewart, 2nd Earl of Atholl. His mother was Lady Janet Campbell, whose father was Archibald Campbell, 2nd Earl of Argyll.

A Special Palace for the King

A Scottish writer named Robert Lindsay of Pitscottie wrote about a very special event. John Stewart built a fancy, temporary palace around 1532. This palace was near Pitlochry. It was made to entertain James V of Scotland, the king, and his mother, Margaret Tudor. They were there for hunting.

This palace was quite unique. It was built from tree branches! But inside, it was very luxurious. It had beautiful tapestries and silk hanging on the walls. It even had glass windows. The food served for three days was very lavish and cost a lot of money.

After the royal guests left, the Earl's local men burned the palace down. An Italian visitor was very surprised by this. He was told it was a local custom. The king's bed was even carried around Atholl for seven days in August and September 1532. This trip was also a chance for the king to help solve local problems.

Helping the King in Perthshire

In July 1536, King James V gave the Earl a special gift. He granted him a "free barony" of lands in Glenlochy, Perthshire. This meant the Earl had special rights over these lands. The Earl was important in helping the king manage the Perthshire area. He worked to make sure the king's rules were followed.

Local Challenges and Disputes

John Stewart also got involved in some local disagreements. He helped the Clan Campbell family in their issues with the Clan Gregor, also known as the MacGregors. In October 1530, he helped remove the MacGregors from a house on the Isle of Loch Rannoch. The Earl also had some rivalry with the Clan Menzies family. They owned land in the same region.

His Life Ends

John Stewart died in 1542. It is thought he might have caught a fever. This happened during a military trip to the English border. This trip led to a battle known as the Battle of Solway Moss.

Family Life

John Stewart married Grizzel Rattray. Their son, John Stewart, 4th Earl of Atholl, became the next Earl.

In 1542, he married Jean Forbes. She was the daughter of John Forbes, 6th Lord Forbes. Their daughter, Barbara Stewart, married James Menzies of Weem. Another daughter, Margaret Stewart, married John Grant of Freuchie.