Norman Leslie (soldier) facts for kids
Norman Leslie (died 29 August 1554) was an important Scottish nobleman in the 1500s. He led the group that killed Cardinal Beaton. After this, he had to leave Scotland. He then served the kings of England and France. He died while fighting for France in 1554.
Family and Early Life
Norman Leslie was the oldest son of George Leslie, 4th Earl of Rothes. His mother was Margaret Crichton. His parents' marriage was later cancelled in 1520. This meant Norman was not seen as a legitimate heir.
In 1537 and 1539, records show he worked at the royal court. On 7 December 1541, he was given the job of sheriff of Fife for life. This important job was usually passed down in his family.
People at the time said Norman was very talented. He fought in the Battle of Solway Moss in 1542. He was captured there. He was set free after he agreed to help Henry VIII, the King of England, in Scotland. This might have been why he strongly opposed Cardinal Beaton. His dislike for the Cardinal grew when the Cardinal helped Sir James Colville get back lands that King James V had given to Norman's family.
Murder of Cardinal Beaton
In April 1544, King Henry VIII heard that Norman Leslie and others wanted to kill Cardinal Beaton. They wanted Henry's protection afterwards. Since they didn't get a clear answer, they didn't act then. Later, Norman and his father seemed to promise their loyalty to the Cardinal. Norman also helped the Cardinal's choice, Charteris, become the leader of Perth.
Norman also fought against the English at the Battle of Ancrum Moor on 12 February 1545. He arrived with 300 spearmen from Fife. He also brought news that more Scottish fighters were coming. This helped the Scots decide to fight and win the battle. Talks about killing the Cardinal started again with King Henry in May 1545.
The Cardinal had George Wishart executed on 1 March 1546. This event seemed to be a good reason for the murder, rather than the main cause. It's likely that Norman Leslie had a big personal argument with Cardinal Beaton not long before the murder. Norman Leslie was the main leader of the plotters. His men took over St Andrews Castle, where Beaton lived. Norman himself did not strike the fatal blow on 29 May 1546. His uncle, John Leslie of Parkhill, killed the Cardinal. The Cardinal had asked for Norman, whom he called his friend, to come to him first.
After the Murder
After the murder, Norman and his friends stayed inside the Cardinal's castle. The governor of Scotland, Regent Arran, then started a siege of the castle. On 11 March 1547, Norman and others in the castle promised their support to King Edward VI of England.
The castle defenders were called to answer for the murder. When they didn't show up, they were declared outlaws on 30 July 1547. On the same day, the castle was given up to the French army. The French promised to spare everyone's lives. The main defenders, including Norman, were taken as prisoners to France.
Norman likely escaped from France around the same time as William Kirkcaldy of Grange. After his release, he went back to Scotland for a short time. But when people searched for him, he escaped by sea to Denmark. From there, he went to England. He received money from King Edward VI for some time.
When Queen Mary became queen in 1553, Norman had to leave England. He went to France and joined the army of King Henry II. He was badly wounded in a battle near Cambrai on 14 August 1554. He bravely charged 60 horsemen with only 30 Scots. He knocked five of them off their horses before his spear broke. He made his way back to the French commander, and his horse died at the commander's feet.
He was taken to the king's tent. He died from his wounds on 29 August, fifteen days later. His bravery deeply impressed the French king. The king then used his power to help the other people who had plotted against Beaton get their lands back.
Norman Leslie was married to Isobel Lindsay. They did not have any children together. However, he had two sons, Robert and John.
