Patrick Hepburn, 1st Earl of Bothwell facts for kids
Patrick Hepburn, 1st Earl of Bothwell (died 18 October 1508) was a powerful Scottish nobleman. He became the Lord High Admiral of Scotland, which meant he was in charge of the country's navy. Patrick became important in politics because he supported James IV when James was fighting against his own father. He also stood in for the King during his marriage ceremony.
Contents
Patrick Hepburn's Journey
Early Life and First Steps in Power
Patrick Hepburn was the son of Adam Hepburn. He took over from his grandfather, also named Patrick Hepburn, as the 2nd Lord Hailes around 1482 or 1483. Either he or his grandfather defended Berwick Castle against an English army. This army was led by Richard, Duke of Gloucester. They held the castle until August 1482, when Berwick upon Tweed became part of England.
On 15 June 1480, Patrick was made Sheriff of Berwickshire. This was an important local role. Lord Hailes was also one of the people who helped keep the peace with England. He signed a truce on 20 September 1484.
Rising Through the Ranks
Patrick Hepburn was one of the main leaders of a group of lords who rebelled against King James III of Scotland. He led the front part of the army at the battle of Sauchieburn on 11 July 1488. This battle was a major event in Scottish history.
When James IV became king, Patrick Hepburn gained a lot of power. He held many important jobs. These included Master of the King's Household and keeper of Edinburgh Castle. He was also the main Sheriff Principal for Edinburgh and Haddington. His son, Adam Hepburn, 2nd Earl of Bothwell, was made Master of the Royal Stables. On 10 September 1488, Patrick Hepburn was named Lord High Admiral of Scotland.
Diplomatic Missions and New Titles
In September 1491, Bothwell went on a special trip to France. His mission was to renew the Auld Alliance, a long-standing friendship between Scotland and France. He sailed from North Berwick on a ship called the Katherine.
On 13 October 1488, King James IV gave him the feudal lordships of Crichton and Bothwell. These lands had become the King's after John Ramsay, Lord Bothwell lost them. Just a few days later, on 17 October, the lordship of Bothwell was made into an Earldom. This meant Patrick became the 1st Earl of Bothwell.
In 1492, Patrick received more land, including Liddesdale and Hermitage Castle. He got these lands from Archibald Douglas, 5th Earl of Angus. In return, Patrick gave Archibald Douglas the lordship of Bothwell (but not the Earldom).
Royal Connections
Patrick Hepburn was appointed Captain of Dumbarton Castle on 1 April 1495. He was also one of the diplomats who helped arrange the marriage of King James IV. The King was to marry Princess Margaret Tudor of England. In October 1501, Patrick helped finalize the marriage treaty. He even stood in for the King at the engagement ceremony on 25 January 1502 at Richmond Palace.
When Margaret Tudor arrived in Scotland in 1503, a special tournament was held at Holyrood Palace. Patrick Hepburn and the English Earl of Surrey were in charge of the events. The King and Queen watched from the palace windows. Patrick Hepburn even played golf with King James IV in Edinburgh in February 1504.
Family Life
Patrick Hepburn was married two times:
- His first wife was Janet or Joanna Douglas. They married before February 1481. She passed away before 21 February 1491. Janet was the daughter of James Douglas, 1st Earl of Morton and Princess Joanna Stewart. They had one daughter:
- Joanna Hepburn (died 1558), who married George Seton, 5th Lord Seton. George Seton died at the Battle of Flodden.
- His second wife was Margaret Gordon. They married by contract on 21 February 1491. Margaret was the daughter of George Gordon, 2nd Earl of Huntly. They had four sons and one daughter:
- Adam Hepburn, 2nd Earl of Bothwell, who took over his father's title.
- Patrick Hepburn of Bolton.
- William Hepburn of Rollandston.
- John Hepburn, who became the Bishop of Brechin.
- Margaret Hepburn, who married Archibald Douglas, 6th Earl of Angus.
