Robert Maxwell, 1st Earl of Nithsdale facts for kids
Robert Maxwell, 1st Earl of Nithsdale (born after 1586 – died May 1646) was an important Scottish nobleman. He became the 10th Lord Maxwell in 1613. Later, in 1620, he was given the special title of Earl of Nithsdale. Robert Maxwell was a general for the Scottish soldiers fighting in Denmark. This was during a big European conflict called the Thirty Years' War. He was a very loyal supporter of King Charles I. He was also a well-known Catholic. In 1645, he lost his titles and lands. He passed away on the Isle of Man in 1646.
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Robert Maxwell's Early Life
The powerful Maxwell family had owned Caerlaverock Castle since the 1200s. This castle is located near Dumfries in Scotland. By the mid-1500s, the Maxwells were the strongest family in southwest Scotland.
Robert Maxwell was the second son of John Maxwell. His father was the 8th Lord Maxwell. John Maxwell died in 1593 during a family disagreement. Robert's older brother, John Maxwell, became the 9th Lord Maxwell. He continued the family feud. In 1613, he was executed. His lands and titles were taken away. However, in 1617, the Scottish Parliament gave these back to Robert Maxwell.
Becoming the Earl of Nithsdale
King James gave Robert Maxwell money in 1617. This was to help him with his family's situation. In 1619, Maxwell joined the Privy Council of Scotland. This was a group of advisors to the King.
In October 1619, he married Elizabeth Beaumont. She was a cousin of George Villiers. Villiers was a close friend of King James. This family connection likely helped Maxwell. On August 29, 1620, King James made Maxwell the Earl of Nithsdale. This new title confirmed an older earldom. The family lands were given back to him by official document the next year.
Building Caerlaverock Castle
Soon after becoming an Earl, Robert Maxwell started a big building project. He wanted to create a beautiful new home. This home was built inside the old walls of Caerlaverock Castle. It was called the Nithsdale Lodging. People say it was one of the most impressive buildings in Scotland at that time.
The Nithsdale Lodging was finished in 1634. Its front has carvings of his family's coat of arms. This shows a double-headed eagle. It also has his crest, which is a stag. An old list of items shows what was inside. It included a special room for Lady Nithsdale.
Supporting King Charles I
Robert Maxwell attended the funeral of King James. When Charles I became King in 1625, Maxwell was a very loyal supporter. He was chosen to lead the Scottish army. This army was sent to fight in Denmark during the Thirty Years' War.
Maxwell was a Catholic. This was mentioned when he was promoted. His fellow Scottish officers did not agree with this. So, the Scottish soldiers served in separate groups. As a Catholic, he naturally supported King Charles I. This was important because many Scots were Presbyterian.
In 1637, King Charles tried to make Scots use an Anglican prayer book. This caused protests. People signed the National Covenant. This was a promise to defend their religion. Maxwell was at Caerlaverock in August 1637. He wrote to a friend asking for hunting dogs.
Wars and Exile
Relations between King Charles and the Scots got worse. This led to the Bishops' Wars in 1639 and 1640. These wars were part of bigger conflicts. Even though Maxwell was loyal, King Charles could not help him much.
In March 1640, Maxwell was trapped at Caerlaverock Castle. An army of Covenanters attacked it. Maxwell and his 200 soldiers defended the castle for 13 weeks. But they eventually had to give up.
In 1644, he helped defend Newcastle upon Tyne. This town was under attack for seven months. When the town fell, he and others hid in the Castle. They surrendered after a few days. They were promised safety, and this promise was kept. In 1645, his lands and titles were taken away. He fled to the Isle of Man. He died there the next year.
Robert Maxwell's Family
Lord Nithsdale and his wife Elizabeth had three children:
- Robert Maxwell (1620–1667): He became the 2nd Earl of Nithsdale. He got the earldom back in 1647.
- Jean (died 1649): He was an officer during the Thirty Years' War. He served in Southwest Germany.
- Elizabeth: She died when she was young.
Images for kids
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The beautiful Nithsdale Lodging inside Caerlaverock Castle
