John Stewart, Commendator of Coldingham facts for kids
John Stewart, Commendator of Coldingham (born 1531, died 1563) was an important Scottish figure. He was a son of James V of Scotland, the King of Scotland, and Elizabeth Carmichael. His mother later married John Somerville of Cambusnethan.
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Early Life and Role as Prior
When John Stewart was a child, he was given control over the lands and money of Coldingham Priory. This meant he was often called the Prior or Commendator of Coldingham. People also knew him as "Lord John."
In 1541, when John was about nine years old, his father, King James V, wanted him to become the Prior of Coldingham. The King hoped John would help stop new religious ideas, called Protestantism, from spreading into Scotland from nearby England. This was because people in both countries spoke a similar language, making it easy for ideas to travel. As an adult, John sometimes lived at Coldingham.
In August 1548, Lord John Stewart and his half-brother, Lord Robert, sailed to France. They traveled with Mary, Queen of Scots, who was also very young at the time.
Serving the Regent Mary of Guise
After a war known as the Rough Wooing ended in 1550, John Stewart traveled to France again. He went with his stepmother, Mary of Guise, who was the Queen Mother and later became the Regent of Scotland. In February 1551, John was in Paris. He wrote to Mary of Guise about a property in France, the Abbey of Flavigny en Auxois. This abbey had been a gift to him from Henry II of France.
In April 1558, John wrote to Mary of Guise from Coldingham. He asked her to help his tenants in Glasgow. They were having a problem with Robert, Lord Sempill, who was the Sheriff of Renfrew. John wanted the Regent to step in and support his tenants.
During the Scottish Reformation, the English government sent ships and soldiers to Scotland. They came to help the Scottish Protestants during the siege of Leith. In January 1560, John Stewart saw the English fleet near Dunbar. He sent a boat to find out what they were doing.
Life with Mary, Queen of Scots
When Mary, Queen of Scots returned to Scotland in August 1561, she made John Stewart the keeper of Dunbar Castle. The English diplomat Thomas Randolph noted that Lord John was well-liked by the Queen. He was known for his "leaping and dancing." Randolph also mentioned that John would marry Jean Hepburn, the sister of the Earl of Bothwell.
In December 1561, Lord John, his half-brother Lord Robert, and others took part in a fun event. It was a tournament on the sands of Leith. There were two teams of six men. One team dressed as women, and the other as exotic foreigners in strange costumes. Queen Mary, Thomas Randolph, and other important guests watched this entertainment.
Soon after, Lord John was involved in a small disturbance in Edinburgh. He and the Earl of Bothwell went to a house wearing masks. When they were not let in, they broke down the doors. The Queen was told about this and gave them a warning. The next day, their followers and another group had a face-off in the market.
In October 1562, Queen Mary sent John Stewart to arrest the Earl of Huntly at Huntly Castle. However, the Earl was warned and managed to escape just as John Stewart and his troops arrived. The Countess of Huntly then welcomed the Queen's men and gave them a meal.
John Stewart hosted Queen Mary at Dunbar Castle on December 30, 1562. He died in Inverness in November 1563.
Family Life and Children
John Stewart married Jean Hepburn, the daughter of Patrick Hepburn, 3rd Earl of Bothwell. Their wedding took place at Crichton Castle on January 3, 1562. Queen Mary and James Stewart, Earl of Moray (who was a half-brother to both Mary and John) attended the celebration. The English diplomat Thomas Randolph heard there was "much good sport and pastimes." The entertainments reportedly lasted for four days.
John and Jean had these children:
- Francis Stewart: He later became the Earl of Bothwell.
- Christine Stewart: She was chosen to help care for Prince James (who would become King) in March 1568.
- Marjorie or Margaret Stewart: She was also part of the King's household before August 1570. She married William Sinclair of Underhoull and later William Bruce of Symbister.
John Stewart also had another son named Hercules Stewart with a different mother.
Images for kids
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The family crest of John Stewart, Prior of Coldingham.
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John Stewart's wedding was celebrated at Crichton Castle.
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Lord John tried to capture the Earl of Huntly, but he escaped.
