Patrick Gordon of Auchindoun facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Patrick Gordon
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| Born | 1538 |
| Died | 5 October 1594 (aged 55–56) Battle of Glenlivet
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| Nationality | Scottish |
| Occupation | Landowner and rebel |
| Spouse(s) |
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| Parent(s) | George Gordon, 4th Earl of Huntly Elizabeth Keith |
Patrick Gordon of Auchindoun (1538–1594) was an important Scottish landowner. He was also known for being a rebel during a time of change in Scotland.
Contents
Who Was Patrick Gordon?
Patrick Gordon was born in 1538. His father was George Gordon, 4th Earl of Huntly. His mother was Elizabeth Keith. Her father, Robert Keith, died in the battle of Flodden.
His Homes
Patrick Gordon lived at Auchindoun Castle. He took over the castle after his brother, Adam Gordon of Auchindoun, passed away.
He also owned Gartlie or Haltoun Castle. This castle was in Banff. He got it in 1581. In 1583, he gave this castle to his wife, Agnes Beaton.
Standing Against the King
In April 1589, Patrick Gordon joined other members of the Gordon family. They gathered against the king at the Bridge of Dee. A writer named John Colville said that Auchindoun and others were very stubborn. They were not likely to make peace with the king easily.
Trying to Make Peace
In June 1590, Patrick's wife, Agnes Beaton, went to the king's court. She wanted to speak for her husband. She made a good impression. She brought her daughter, Elizabeth Gordon, with her. Elizabeth was the heir to Gight.
A powerful courtier, Sir George Home, was interested in marrying Elizabeth. Elizabeth joined the household of Anne of Denmark. Lady Auchindoun also promised to give the king a copy of a special agreement. This agreement was made at the Bridge of Dee.
In July 1590, Auchindoun stayed at Niddry Castle in West Lothian. He was a guest of Lord Seton. He hoped to get back into the king's favor. His wife was at court again. He met the king and gave him a copy of the agreement. The Earl of Huntly had tried to burn the copy. But he managed to get it back.
Losing His Castle
In March 1593, Patrick Gordon of Auchindoun was declared a rebel. This meant he lost his rights. Auchindoun Castle was considered his wife's property. But it was given to Sir George Home. Sir George's wife, Elizabeth Gordon, was Patrick Gordon's stepdaughter.
In September 1593, a church group called the Synod of Fife took action. They acted against the Catholic Gordon family. They removed Auchindoun and the Earl of Huntly from the church. This decision made the king unhappy.
The Battle of Glenlivet
In July 1594, there was talk of a deal. This deal was between the Catholic nobles and the Scottish Kirk. Auchindoun told Jean Gordon, Countess of Sutherland that he would soon "wash his hands in the heart-blood of some of the best ministers." The Countess drank a toast to him.
Gordon was killed at the battle of Glenlivet. This happened on October 3, 1594. He was shot while charging with the Earl of Erroll. They were attacking the Earl of Argyll's soldiers. Reports say he was stabbed with dirks. His head was also cut off.
His Marriages
Patrick Gordon's first wife was Janet Leslie. He married his second wife, Agnes Beaton, by July 1583. Agnes was a daughter of Cardinal David Beaton. He was the Archbishop of St. Andrews. Her mother was Marion Ogilvy. Agnes was also the widow of Alexander or George Gordon of Gight.
