Patrick Lyon, 1st Earl of Kinghorne facts for kids
Patrick Lyon, 1st Earl of Kinghorne (c. 1575 – 1615) was an important Scottish nobleman and landowner. He became the Earl of Kinghorne in 1606. Patrick Lyon was known for his work on Glamis Castle, which is still a famous landmark today.
Patrick Lyon was the son of John Lyon, 8th Lord Glamis and Elizabeth Abernethy. His father died in 1578 during a fight in Stirling. After his father's death, his uncle, Thomas, Master of Glamis, helped guide young Patrick. A portrait of Patrick as a young boy, painted in 1583 by Adrian Vanson, can still be seen at Glamis Castle.
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Early Life and Challenges
In June 1598, Patrick Lyon faced a challenge. He was declared a "rebel" because he did not appear to settle a long-standing disagreement with the Earl of Crawford. This was part of new laws at the time to stop feuds between powerful families.
In February 1593, King James VI sent Patrick Lyon with other nobles to search for a rebel named Earl of Bothwell. During this mission, Patrick had an accident. He fell from his horse and broke three ribs.
Supporting the King
In September 1594, King James VI gathered an army to fight against some northern earls. They met at the battle of Glenlivet. Patrick Lyon's aunt, Euphemia Douglas, asked the Laird of Balthayock to bring his followers to Glamis Castle. They were to be armed and ready to join the king's army.
Glamis Castle Improvements
Patrick Lyon was made Earl of Kinghorne in 1606. This was a very important title. Around the same time, he began a major project to improve and rebuild parts of Glamis Castle. An inscription on the stair tower remembers his work. It says, "Built by Patrick, Lord Glamis, and D[ame] Anna Murray."
Death and Legacy
Patrick Lyon, 1st Earl of Kinghorne, passed away in Edinburgh in December 1615. He was about 40 years old. His work on Glamis Castle remains a lasting part of his legacy.
His Family Life
In May 1595, Patrick Lyon married Anne Murray in Stirling. A large celebration was planned at Stirling Castle. However, King James VI and Queen Anne of Denmark could not attend because the Queen was unwell.
Anne Murray worked to make the wedding a peaceful event. This marriage was important for Scottish politics. It was arranged by the Earl of Mar. This arrangement was part of a disagreement between the Earl of Mar and the Chancellor of Scotland, John Maitland of Thirlestane.
Patrick and Anne had several children:
- Frederick Lyon (died 1660)
- Anne Lyon (died 8 February 1637), who married William Hay, 10th Earl of Erroll
- Jean Lyon (died 2 February 1618)
- John Lyon, 2nd Earl of Kinghorne (born 13 August 1596 - died 12 May 1646)
- Patrick Lyon (born 1600)
- James Lyon (1602 - died August 1641)
- Elizabeth Lyon (born 1608)
