Laurence Oliphant, 4th Lord Oliphant facts for kids

Laurence Oliphant, 4th Lord Oliphant (born in 1529, died in 1593), was an important Scottish nobleman. He lived during a time of big changes in Scotland, especially with Mary Queen of Scots.

Early Life

Laurence was the oldest son of Laurence Oliphant, 3rd Lord Oliphant and Margaret Sandilands. He had several siblings, including Peter, Catherine, Margaret, Jean, and Lilias.

When he was young, in 1543, he was sent to England as a hostage for his father. This meant he was held there to make sure his father kept promises. Later, in 1565, when Mary Queen of Scots married Lord Darnley, Laurence became an extra member of the privy council. This was a group of important advisors to the ruler.

Around the same time, some people accused of serious crimes took over his home, Berrydale Castle. They held it for a while. But on April 13, 1566, the council ordered them to give it back to him within 24 hours. If they didn't, they would be treated as rebels. Laurence became the 4th Lord Oliphant when his father died on March 26, 1566.

Important Roles

Laurence Oliphant was involved in many key events in Scottish history. He was part of the group that judged James Hepburn, 4th Earl of Bothwell for the murder of Lord Darnley. He also signed a special agreement, the Ainslie Tavern Bond, which supported Bothwell marrying the queen. He was one of nine lords, who were not church leaders, present at the wedding. He also became a member of the privy council.

Political Challenges

In May 1568, Laurence joined a group at Hamilton that supported Queen Mary. He even fought for her at the battle of Langside. Because of this, he was told to appear before the regent (the person ruling for the young king) and the privy council. When he didn't show up, he was declared a rebel on August 2, 1568. However, he later signed an agreement to support the king. By June 1569, he was again a member of the privy council.

In March 1569, Queen Mary, who was at Bolton Castle, chose Laurence as one of sixteen people to advise the Duke of Châtellerault and the Earls of Huntly and Argyll. This was during a difficult time for Scotland. He also attended a meeting in Perth in July 1569. There, he voted against the queen's divorce from Bothwell.

Laurence and his servants were attacked in July by the Master of Caithness. They were trapped for eight days in Old Wick or "Auldwick" castle. Laurence complained about this to the Privy Council.

After the Regent Moray died in 1570, Laurence met with Queen Mary's supporters in Linlithgow. Later, in 1573, a diplomat named Henry Killigrew noted that Laurence had joined the group against Mary after James Douglas, 4th Earl of Morton became regent for King James VI. However, Laurence had already attended a privy council meeting in Leith in May 1572, when Regent Mar was still alive.

After Morton stopped being regent, Laurence attended a parliament meeting at Stirling Castle in July 1578, with the king present. In November 1580, he was asked to explain an attack on Lord Ruthven. He had to pay money as a guarantee that he would be held at Doune Castle in Menteith. He often had disagreements with the Earl of Caithness, which the privy council had to settle.

Building Castles

Laurence Oliphant made some changes to Kellie Castle in Fife in 1573, adding two floors to the east tower. The south side of the castle has the initials of his second wife, Margaret Hay. He also built the castle of Newtyle or Hatton in 1575.

Family Life

Laurence Oliphant married Lady Margaret Hay, who was the second daughter of George Hay, 7th Earl of Erroll. They had two sons and three daughters.

His Children

• Laurence Oliphant, Master of Oliphant (died around 1584). He married Lady Christian Douglas. He was involved in the raid of Ruthven, a plot against the king. Because of this, he was sent away from Scotland in March 1584 with his brother-in-law, Robert Douglas. They sailed for another country but never arrived.
• John Oliphant of Newlands.
• Elizabeth Oliphant, who married William Douglas, 10th Earl of Angus in 1585.
• Jean Oliphant, who married Alexander Bruce of Cultmalindie.
• Margaret Oliphant, who married Sir James Johnstone of Westerhall.

Lord Oliphant died in Caithness on January 16, 1593. He was buried in the church of Wick.

Grandchildren

Through his oldest son Laurence, he was the grandfather of Laurence Oliphant, 5th Lord Oliphant (1583–1631). He was also the grandfather of Anne Oliphant, who married John Lindsay, 8th Lord Lindsay. Their daughter, Anne Lindsay, married Alexander Falconer, 1st Lord Falconer of Halkerton.