Sir Robert Gordon, 1st Baronet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Robert Gordon, Bt
|
|
|---|---|
Portrait of Sir Robert Gordon, 1621
|
|
| Born | 14 May 1580 Dunrobin Castle, Golspie, Sutherland
|
| Died | 1656 |
| Education | University of St. Andrews |
| Spouse(s) |
Louise Gordon
(after 1613) |
| Children | 9 |
| Parent(s) | Alexander Gordon, 12th Earl of Sutherland Jean Gordon, Countess of Bothwell |
| Relatives | John Gordon, 13th Earl of Sutherland (brother) Sir Robert Gordon, 3rd Baronet (grandson) |
Sir Robert Gordon of Gordonstoun (born May 14, 1580 – died 1656) was an important Scottish politician and a trusted advisor to kings. He was also known for writing the history of the powerful Sutherland family.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Sir Robert Gordon was born at Dunrobin Castle in Sutherland, Scotland, on May 14, 1580. He was the fourth son of Alexander Gordon, 12th Earl of Sutherland. His mother was Jean Gordon, Countess of Bothwell.
In 1598, he went to the University of St. Andrews for six months. After that, he continued his studies at the University of Edinburgh. To learn more about law, he traveled to France in 1603. He stayed there until October 1605, studying civil law.
A Career in Royal Service
Sir Robert Gordon became a gentleman of the privy chamber for King James I in 1606. This meant he was a close assistant to the king. He was also given the title of knight.
In 1614, he received an honorary Master of Arts degree from Cambridge University. Later that year, his brother, John Gordon, 13th Earl of Sutherland, passed away. Sir Robert then became the legal guardian for his young nephew, John Gordon.
Royal Visits and Important Tasks
When King James visited Scotland in 1617, Sir Robert showed his skills. He won an archery competition held in the garden of Holyrood Palace. He stayed in Scotland for a while to manage his family's affairs. Then, he moved his family back to England in 1619.
In 1621, Sir Robert returned to Sutherland. He helped his nephew, the Earl, manage and reduce the family's large debts.
Dealing with Trouble in Caithness
In 1623, a local leader named George Sinclair was declared a rebel. He ran away to the Orkney Islands. Sir Robert Gordon was given a special task by the king's council. He was ordered to go after Sinclair with his troops. Sir Robert successfully took over Castle Sinclair, which was the rebel's home. After bringing peace to the area of Caithness, he returned to the royal court in England.
New Titles and Responsibilities
In 1625, Sir Robert Gordon was serving King Charles I. He was made the first baronet of Nova Scotia. This was a new title that gave him land in Nova Scotia. He also helped with a plan to start a new settlement there. King Charles trusted Sir Robert a lot. He often sent him as a secret messenger to Queen Henrietta Maria.
In 1629, Sir Robert was chosen as the main sheriff for Inverness-shire. He also represented the area in a special meeting of Scottish leaders in 1630. The king's council sent him to the north of Scotland to help calm down some problems.
In 1633, King Charles I had his coronation in Scotland. Sir Robert played an important role. He helped carry the king's long robe during the procession. The next year, he joined the Privy Council of Scotland. This group advised the king on important matters.
Later Years and Legacy
During the First English Civil War, Sir Robert tried to help bring peace. He acted as a mediator between the different groups fighting. In 1643, leaders from Morayshire asked him to talk with the Marquis of Montrose.
Sir Robert Gordon passed away in 1656.
His Writings and Books
Sir Robert Gordon was a dedicated historian. His father-in-law, Bishop Gordon, asked him to publish his works.
Sir Robert's most famous work is the Genealogical History of the Earldom of Sutherland. This book tells the story of the Sutherland family from their beginnings up to 1630. It was later updated by Gilbert Gordon. The book was published in Edinburgh in 1813.
He also collected many important documents. These included his will, which was written in 1654. These documents give us a lot of information about life in his time.
Family Life
Sir Robert Gordon married Louise (also called Lucie) in London on February 16, 1613. Louise was the only child of John Gordon. Her mother, Genevieve Petau de Maulette, taught French to Princess Elizabeth, who later became the Queen of Bohemia.
Sir Robert and Louise had nine children, five sons and four daughters. Some of their children included:
- Sir Ludovick Gordon (1614–1685)
- Katherine Gordon (1621–1683), who married Colonel David Barclay.
Sir Robert founded the Gordonstoun family in Morayshire. He bought many estates in the areas of Elgin and Forres. He had all these lands joined together to form the barony of Gordonstoun in 1642.
His daughter Elizabeth Gordon was born in Salisbury in 1617. Important people like the Earl of Hertford and the Countess of Bedford were her godparents.
His Will and Possessions
In his will, Sir Robert left special items to his family. He gave his eldest son, Ludovick, his knight baronet badge. To his grandson, Robert Gordon, he left a cup, chess pieces made of whalebone, and a green bed and couch set. This furniture was made by his mother-in-law. He also left silver coins to his grandson Robert Barclay.
Sir Robert asked his wife and son Ludovick to keep building the church of Drenie. This was important to him because they had taken down the church of Kinneddor.
