John Sutherland, 7th Earl of Sutherland facts for kids

Quick facts for kids John Sutherland, 7th Earl of Sutherland
Earl of Sutherland Coat of Arms
Born	Unknown
Died	1460 Dunrobin Castle, Sutherland, Scotland
Allegiance	Scotland
Relations	Robert Sutherland, 6th Earl of Sutherland (father) Margaret Lamington (wife) John Sutherland, 8th Earl of Sutherland (son)

John Sutherland was an important Scottish leader who lived in the 1400s. He was the 7th Earl of Sutherland and the leader of the Clan Sutherland. This was a powerful Scottish clan from the Scottish Highlands. He passed away in 1460.

Early Life and Family Connections

John Sutherland was the son of Robert Sutherland, 6th Earl of Sutherland. His mother was Margaret Stewart. Her father was Alexander Stewart, Earl of Buchan, who was also known as "the Wolf of Badenoch." This shows that John came from a very important family with strong connections.

Becoming Earl of Sutherland

Historians first wrote about John, the 7th Earl of Sutherland, around 1408. One of the earliest mentions was by Andrew of Wyntoun in his book, Orygynale Cronykil of Scotland.

Knighted in France

John Sutherland was a young squire when he traveled to France. In 1421, before the Battle of Baugé, he was knighted by the Duke of Burgundy. This battle was important because the Scottish forces defeated the English. Being knighted was a great honor for John.

Hostage for the King

Later, in 1444, John Sutherland was held at Pontefract Castle in England. He was a hostage to help pay the ransom for James I of Scotland. Being a hostage meant he was held to make sure a payment was made. Even as a hostage, he was allowed to meet friends and handle some business.

During this time, John granted land to his relative, Alexander Sutherland, 3rd of Duffus. This land was called Torboll. Important Scottish gentlemen witnessed this agreement.

Life at Dunrobin Castle

By May 1448, John Sutherland was back home at Dunrobin Castle in Sutherland. This castle was his family's main home. He made an appointment for Alexander Rattar to be a chaplain at St Andrews in Golspie.

In 1451, John and his wife, Margaret, received a special royal document. This document gave them ownership of several lands in the area of Loth. In 1456, he gave up his title as Earl to James II of Scotland. This was so the title could be given to his second son, also named John. However, he kept some of the lands for himself and his wife.

Battles and Challenges

During John Sutherland's time as Earl, his lands faced attacks. A leader named John of Islay, Earl of Ross invaded Sutherland. He came with a large group of followers and reached Skibo Castle.

Defending Sutherland

The invaders were later defeated in two battles. In the first fight, the Clan Donald (MacDonalds) were attacked at Skibo. They were led by John of Islay. The forces of Neil Murray of Aberscross defeated them. Neil Murray was an important supporter of the Clan Sutherland.

In the second battle at Strathfleet, the MacDonalds were again defeated. This time, the Clan Sutherland was led by Robert Sutherland, who was the Earl's brother.

Some historians say that John, the 7th Earl, and his son, the 8th Earl, did not do much to improve their family's standing. They often relied on their relatives, like the Murrays, to fight their battles.

Death and Burial

John Sutherland, the 7th Earl, passed away at Dunrobin Castle in 1460. He was buried at the chapel of St Andrews in Golspie. This was different from the usual burial place for the Earls, which was Dornoch Cathedral.

Family Life

John Sutherland, 7th Earl of Sutherland, married Margaret. She was related to Sir William Ballie of Lamington. Sir William was one of the people held hostage with John.

John and Margaret had several children:

• Alexander: He was known as the Master of Sutherland. He appeared in a document in 1444 but passed away before his father in 1456.
• John Sutherland, 8th Earl of Sutherland: He became the next Earl after his father.
• Nicolas Sutherland: He was mentioned in a document from 1448, but not much else is known about him.
• Thomas Beg Sutherland: Some say he was the ancestor of the Sutherlands in Strath Ullie.
• Lady Jean Sutherland: She married Sir James Dunbar and had children.
• Lady Murial Sutherland: She married Alexander Seton of Meldrum. However, her exact connection to the Earl of Sutherland is not fully confirmed.