Robert Maxwell, 5th Lord Maxwell facts for kids

Robert Maxwell, the 5th Lord Maxwell (born 1493, died 9 July 1546), was an important Scottish nobleman. He was a brave soldier, a smart politician, and even served as the Lord High Admiral in 1513. Robert Maxwell was part of King James V of Scotland's special council. He also held the important job of Lord Provost of Edinburgh several times. In 1537, he helped arrange King James's marriage to Mary of Guise by standing in for the King during the ceremony in France.

Early Life and Rise to Power

Robert Maxwell was the oldest son of John Maxwell, 4th Lord Maxwell. His father sadly died in a big battle called Flodden in 1513. Robert's mother was Agnes Stewart.

After his father's death, Robert became the 5th Lord Maxwell in November 1513. Around this time, he was also given the important role of Regent of the Isle of Arran. This made him like a ruler of Arran, which is the largest island in the Firth of Clyde.

Even though he was the Regent of Arran, he didn't spend much time there. At the time of the Flodden battle, Robert Maxwell was in charge of a fleet of ships. They were supposed to go to France but were blown off course. They only arrived back in Scotland the day after the battle.

Soon after, Maxwell took control of Lochmaben Castle. In November 1513, he was made the captain and keeper of Thrieve Castle. Later, in 1517, he became the warden of the west marches. This meant he was in charge of protecting the border between Scotland and England.

Serving the King

When Archibald Douglas, 6th Earl of Angus returned to Scotland, Robert Maxwell joined the side of the Queen Mother, Margaret Tudor. He helped move the young King James V from Stirling to Edinburgh in 1524. In August of that year, he became the Lord Provost of Edinburgh. This was a very important job, like being the mayor of the city.

Maxwell was part of the plan for King James to officially start ruling. He was chosen to be on the council that helped the King's mother govern. However, when the Queen divorced Angus, Maxwell and other nobles changed their minds about supporting her.

When King James turned 14 in 1526, Maxwell was again chosen for a council. This council helped Angus look after the King and manage the country. Maxwell was with the King at the Battle of Melrose in July 1526. During this battle, someone tried to take the King, but they failed. That same year, Maxwell was also made the steward of Kirkcudbright.

Changing Loyalties and Royal Service

In 1528, King James escaped from Falkland Palace to Stirling Castle. Robert Maxwell then left Angus's group and joined the King's new council. He went with the King to Edinburgh and was again made the Lord Provost. In August, he stopped Angus from taking over the city. Maxwell was also one of the people who judged Angus in his trial.

Like many nobles in the south, Maxwell sometimes allowed border raids. He even led some raids himself. In 1528, he had to pay back the English for burning a place called Netherby. This might be why he didn't like Angus.

In 1529, the King decided to travel south to punish the raiders. Maxwell and others who supported them were held in Edinburgh Castle. But they were released after the King returned, promising to be loyal. Maxwell was not happy when a border leader named John Armstrong, who was partly under his protection, was executed. However, Maxwell later made up with the King.

In 1533, he was given a special role as an extraordinary lord of session. In 1536, he burned Penrith during a trip into England. That same year, he was chosen as one of the temporary rulers while King James was away in France getting married. After the King's first wife died, Maxwell was sent to France in 1537 to help arrange the King's marriage to Mary of Guise.

Later Life and Capture

In 1540, Robert Maxwell received money to repair Hermitage Castle. As the High Admiral, he led a naval trip to the Orkney Islands in 1540. He joined the Scottish army in 1542. He wanted them to fight the English, but they didn't.

After the army broke up, Maxwell helped gather a new force. He led ten thousand men to the western borders. But just before they fought the English at the Battle of Solway Moss, a new order came. It said that someone else, Oliver Sinclair, was in charge. In the confusion, the Scots didn't fight well, and Maxwell was captured.

He and other captured nobles were sent to London. They were allowed to return to Scotland after paying a ransom. They also had to promise to help the English King Henry VIII. Henry wanted his son, Prince Edward, to marry the young Scottish queen, Mary Stuart.

Maxwell showed he was against Cardinal Beaton, who didn't want the marriage. Maxwell suggested that everyone should be allowed to read the Bible in Scots and English, and this idea was passed. In October 1543, Maxwell was captured again by John Hamilton and sent to Edinburgh Castle.

After he was freed, Maxwell joined Matthew Stewart, 4th Earl of Lennox in Glasgow Castle. He was captured again when Glasgow Castle was taken during the Battle of Glasgow in 1544. He was released in May 1544, when the English fleet arrived near Leith. This was done in case his friends joined the English.

The English King Henry VIII then started to doubt Maxwell's loyalty. Maxwell was taken prisoner and sent to the Tower of London. He offered to serve the English, even wearing a red cross on his armor to show his loyalty. However, he remained imprisoned at Pontefract Castle until October 1545. He was allowed to return to Scotland only after giving Caerlaverock Castle to the English.

In November, his own castles were captured, and he was taken prisoner to Dumfries. But he said he only made terms with Henry because he feared for his life. In January 1546, Maxwell was forgiven and made the chief justice of Annandale. He was also appointed warden of the west marches in June 1546. Robert Maxwell died on 9 July 1546.

Family Life

Robert Maxwell had three children with his first wife, Janet Douglas:

• Robert Maxwell, 6th Lord Maxwell
• Sir John Maxwell, who married Agnes Maxwell
• Margaret, who married Archibald Douglas, 6th Earl of Angus first, and then Sir William Baillie of Lamington

His second wife was Lady Agnes Stewart. She was the daughter of James Stewart, 1st Earl of Buchan. Lady Agnes Stewart was later officially recognized as legitimate by Queen Mary of Guise in 1552.