Patrick Lindsay, 6th Lord Lindsay facts for kids

Patrick Lindsay, the 6th Lord Lindsay of the Byres, was an important Scottish nobleman. He lived from 1521 to 1589. Patrick was the son of John Lindsay, the 5th Lord Lindsay, and Helen Stewart. His mother was the daughter of John, the 2nd Earl of Atholl.

A Life in Scottish History

The Scottish Reformation

Patrick Lindsay played a big part in the Scottish Reformation. This was a time of major religious change in Scotland. In May 1559, he helped stop the city of Perth from falling to the forces of Mary of Guise. She was the Queen's mother and ruled Scotland at the time.

After this, Patrick helped make a peace agreement at Cupar Muir. He then helped remove the French soldiers from Perth. In 1560, he worked with William Kirkcaldy of Grange to keep the French army in check in Fife. He even won a fight against a French captain named La Bastie.

In February 1560, Patrick helped negotiate the Treaty of Berwick. This treaty brought English help to the Scottish Protestants. He also signed important documents like the "Book of Discipline." On May 28, 1561, he was chosen to help remove old religious symbols. When Mary, Queen of Scots returned to Scotland in August 1561, she wanted to have Catholic Mass in her chapel. Patrick and his followers protested loudly.

Mary Queen of Scots' Reign

Patrick Lindsay was very loyal to Lord James, who was his brother-in-law. Lord James helped Patrick and Queen Mary become friends again. In 1562, Patrick even joined the Queen in a friendly archery contest.

When the Earl of Huntly rebelled in September 1562, Patrick and Kirkcaldy of Grange were called to help the Queen. Patrick played a key role in winning the battle of Corrichie.

After his father died in 1563, Patrick became Lord Lindsay. He had a disagreement with the Earl of Rothes over who should be the sheriff of Fife. Even though Rothes got the job, Patrick was never happy about losing it.

Patrick was related to Lord Darnley. Because of this, he supported Darnley's marriage to Queen Mary. He also joined the "Chaseabout Raid" against Lord James. Later, he was involved in a plot against David Rizzio, the Queen's secretary. After Rizzio's death, Patrick fled to England. However, Queen Mary pardoned him and others before Darnley's own death.

Mary's Abdication

There is no proof that Patrick Lindsay knew about any plan to kill Darnley. He was likely very upset by Darnley's death. This might explain why he took a strong stand against Queen Mary. He signed an agreement against Bothwell. At the battle of Carberry Hill in June 1567, Patrick wanted to fight Bothwell in a duel. The Earl of Morton even offered him a famous sword. But the Queen stopped the fight.

Patrick Lindsay was a key figure in the harsh terms given to the Queen. After she surrendered, she told him, "By the hand which is now in yours I'll have your head for this."

Patrick, along with Lord Ruthven, took Mary to Lochleven Castle. They were her guardians there. On July 24, 1567, Patrick went to get her to sign a paper giving up her crown. She signed the document without arguing.

The next day, Patrick brought this signed paper to the Tolbooth of Edinburgh. It was read aloud there. On July 29, before James VI of Scotland was crowned, Patrick and Lord Ruthven swore that Mary had given up her crown willingly. Patrick then became a strong supporter of Regent Moray.

After Mary escaped from Lochleven, Patrick fought against her at the battle of Langside. His actions helped turn the battle in favor of the Regent's army.

In 1568, Patrick was part of meetings in York and Westminster. He heard that Lord Herries had accused his allies of Darnley's murder. Patrick challenged Herries to a duel, but Herries replied that he would fight if Patrick insisted.

The Marian Civil War

After Regent Moray was killed in January 1570, Lord Lindsay helped carry his coffin at the funeral. During the Marian civil war, Patrick supported the King's side. In June 1571, his forces captured Lord Home and others. He also stopped gold meant for the defenders of Edinburgh castle.

Later, Patrick was captured himself but quickly bought his freedom. A few months later, his cattle were stolen from his home. But the next day, Patrick fought back in Edinburgh and captured Lord Seton.

In August, Patrick was chosen to lead forces in Leith. He successfully defended against an attack. In 1572, he was elected Provost of Edinburgh while Edinburgh Castle was under siege. He visited John Knox on his deathbed. Knox told him not to deal with the castle's defenders. Patrick followed this advice. After the castle surrendered, he tried to save his old friend Kirkcaldy of Grange, but he was not successful.

Under Regent Morton

Patrick Lindsay played a smaller role during the rest of Regent Morton's time in power. In March 1578, he joined other nobles to remove Morton from power. Patrick and Ruthven took control of Edinburgh Castle. He was chosen for the council that managed affairs until parliament met.

When Morton regained power, Patrick and Montrose protested. They said a meeting held in an armed castle could not be fair. They were briefly held but then joined other nobles who marched towards Stirling. A deal was made, and Patrick became part of the new council.

In December 1579, he helped reform the university of St. Andrews. He remained loyal to Morton until Morton's fall in 1580. Patrick then retired to his home, feeling unhappy. He was involved in the Ruthven raid in 1582. After the King was rescued, Patrick fled to England. When he returned, he was part of the Gowrie conspiracy in 1584. He was held at Tantallon Castle but was released later that year. He passed away on December 11, 1589.

Family Life

Patrick Lindsay was married to Euphemia Douglas. She was the daughter of Robert Douglas of Lochleven and Margaret Erskine. Euphemia was also the half-sister of Regent Moray.

Patrick and Euphemia had a son named James Lindsay, 7th Lord Lindsay. They also had two daughters:

• Margaret, who married James Leslie.
• Maulslie, who married William Ballingall.

James, the 7th Lord Lindsay, was like his father. He strongly supported Protestantism. He was involved in a Protestant protest in 1596 and had to pay large fines. He died on November 5, 1601.

James married Euphemia Leslie, the daughter of Andrew Leslie, 5th Earl of Rothes. They had two sons:

• John, the 8th Lord Lindsay.
• Robert, the 9th Lord Lindsay.

They also had three daughters:

• Jean, who married Robert Lundin.
• Catherine, who married John Lundin.
• Helen, who married John, the 2nd Lord Cranston.