Patrick Ruthven, 3rd Lord Ruthven facts for kids

Patrick Ruthven, 3rd Lord Ruthven (born around 1520 – died 13 June 1566), was an important figure in Scottish history. He became a powerful lord in December 1552. His family held important jobs in the town of Perth, like being in charge of the town and its law enforcement.

Patrick Ruthven's Early Life

Patrick was the son of William Ruthven, 2nd Lord Ruthven and Janet Haliburton. His mother was the heiress of the Haliburton family from Dirleton Castle.

Seeking Power and Riches

During a war with England, Patrick, who was then called the Master of Ruthven, helped the English side. In 1548, an English commander noted that Patrick was at Yester Castle with his servants. They wore special armor called "jacks" and red scarves. Patrick hoped to gain money and power by helping the English take control of Perth. His father was in charge of Perth at the time. Patrick offered to help an English commander, Sir Andrew Dudley, who was holding Broughty Castle.

After the war ended, Patrick traveled to Paris in March 1551. He wrote to Mary of Guise, who was the Queen Regent of Scotland, asking for money she had promised him. He also asked for a higher position in the government. He wrote that he had been a "footman" (a low-ranking person) long enough. He wanted to become a "horseman" (a more important person) and promised to risk his life for her.

His Beliefs and Politics

Patrick Ruthven was a strong Protestant. He supported a group of Protestant nobles called the Lords of the Congregation. In 1560, he signed the Treaty of Berwick, which was an agreement with England. He even sent his son Archibald to England as a hostage to show his commitment.

Patrick wrote to William Cecil, an important English statesman. He reminded Cecil of their past meetings and said he approved of Cecil's efforts to bring Scotland and England closer. In May 1560, Patrick met with Mary of Guise at Edinburgh Castle. He was very firm in his demands, more so than other representatives of the Protestant group.

Patrick Ruthven's Political Career

Thomas Randolph, the English ambassador, was in Scotland when Mary, Queen of Scots ruled. In 1563, Randolph reported that Patrick had joined Mary's special council, called the Privy Council. This happened even though the queen did not like him personally. In 1565, Patrick was one of the few nobles who supported Mary's marriage to Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley.

Patrick was a leader of the group that killed David Rizzio, Mary's personal secretary. After this event, Patrick had to flee to England.

In Edinburgh, Lord Ruthven lived in a building known as "Lord Ruthven's Land." It was located at the foot of the West Bow, near the Grassmarket.

On April 2, 1566, Patrick Ruthven and another noble, Morton, sent a statement to Queen Elizabeth I of England. They said their actions regarding David Rizzio were for the good of Darnley, Mary, the country, and their religion. Patrick Ruthven died in England shortly after this.

Mary's secretary, Claude Nau, wrote that Patrick died believing in false visions.

Patrick Ruthven's Family

Patrick first married Janet Douglas, who passed away around 1552. She was the daughter of Archibald Douglas, 6th Earl of Angus. They had several children together.

Later, Patrick married Janet Stewart. She was the daughter of John Stewart, 2nd Earl of Atholl. Janet Stewart had been married before to Henry Stewart, 1st Lord Methven.

Interestingly, Patrick's two oldest children married Janet Stewart's children from her first marriage. His daughter, Jean Ruthven, married Henry Stewart, 2nd Lord Methven. His son and heir, William Ruthven, 1st Earl of Gowrie, married Dorothea Stewart.

Another younger son, Alexander Ruthven, worked for the king in 1580.