Patrick Gray, 4th Lord Gray facts for kids

Patrick Gray, 4th Lord Gray (born around 1518, died 1584), was an important Scottish landowner. He was also the Sheriff of Angus, a key role in local government. Patrick lived during a time of war with England, known as the Rough Wooing. He also supported the big religious changes happening in Scotland, called the Scottish Reformation.

Family Life and Becoming Lord Gray

Patrick Gray was the son of Egidia Mercer and Gilbert Gray. His grandfather was Andrew Gray, 2nd Lord Gray. Patrick became the new Lord Gray in April 1541. This happened after his uncle passed away. To take over the Gray family lands, he had to pay a large sum of money to King James V of Scotland. He was officially confirmed as Lord Gray in September 1542.

Patrick first married Marion Ogilvy in 1537. They had a son named Patrick Gray, 5th Lord Gray (1538–1608). Another son, James Gray, married Elizabeth Bethune. Their daughter, Elizabeth Gray, married Laurence Bruce. He moved to Shetland and built Muness Castle on Unst island.

In 1557, Patrick married Margaret Ker. The Gray family's main home was Fowlis Castle, near Dundee, Scotland. They also lived at Castle Huntly. In 1583, an English report described Patrick as an "aged man." It also mentioned that he was thought to have English family roots.

The Rough Wooing War

Lord Gray was captured by the English army at the Battle of Solway Moss. He was held by the Archbishop of York. When he returned to Scotland, he made a special agreement with Cardinal David Beaton in October 1544. This agreement was a promise of friendship and support.

In March 1547, during a siege at St Andrews Castle, Lord Gray made a deal with King Edward VI of England. He promised to help England if they helped him get his rights back in Perth. He also wanted his brother, who was held hostage in England, to be returned. In return, Patrick Gray would help arrange the marriage of Mary, Queen of Scots to Edward VI. He also agreed to give Broughty Castle and a tower in Perth to the English army.

Lord Gray asked for money because of his fishing rights at Broughty. He received £1000 from an English soldier in November 1547. Around the same time, another Scottish noble, the Master of Ruthven, offered to give Perth to the English. In June 1548, Lord Gray received thanks from the English leader, a gold chain, and money.

In January 1548, an English commander, Thomas Wyndham, placed 20 soldiers in the Steeple (a church tower) in Dundee. Lord Gray helped with this. The soldiers had cannons and small guns.

Lord Gray later made a deal with Mary of Guise, the Queen Regent of Scotland, in March 1548. He promised to serve her and Mary, Queen of Scots. He also accepted a payment of 500 merks.

In November 1548, French troops captured Lord Gray. He was accused of treason. The French commander wanted him executed. But Regent Arran and other Scottish lords spoke up for him, and he was saved.

Later Years

During the big religious changes of the Scottish Reformation, Mary of Guise wrote to Lord Gray in May 1560. She told him that an English attack at the Siege of Leith had failed. In August 1560, Lord Gray attended the Scottish Reformation Parliament. He signed a document about a possible marriage between James Hamilton, 3rd Earl of Arran and Elizabeth I of England. This marriage never happened.

Some years before, Gray had been captured by the English during a border incident called the Raid of Swinton. In 1562, he was held in England again. This was because of an old promise he had made. Mary, Queen of Scots, wrote to Queen Elizabeth to complain about how he was being treated.