Thomas Crawford of Jordanhill facts for kids
Captain Thomas Crawford (1530–1603) of Jordanhill was a brave Scottish soldier. He was a close friend of Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley, who was the husband of Mary, Queen of Scots. Crawford also worked for Matthew Stewart, 4th Earl of Lennox, Darnley's father.
He is famous for planning and leading a daring attack in 1571. With only 150 men, he scaled the steep cliffs of Dumbarton Castle. His mission was to remove the soldiers loyal to Queen Mary from the castle. Six years later, he became the Provost (leader) of Glasgow. He also started a scholarship for a student at the university. Crawford is also remembered for helping to save Glasgow Cathedral from being destroyed.
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Early Life and Military Career
Thomas Crawford was born around 1530. He was one of six sons of Lawrence Crawford of Kilbirnie Place. Since he was the youngest son, he chose to become a professional soldier.
In 1547, he fought in the Battle of Pinkie Cleugh. He was captured during the battle and later set free after a payment was made. In 1550, he went to France. There, he worked as a soldier for King Henry II.
Crawford bought the land and title of Jordanhill when he returned to Scotland. This was around 1560 or 1562. To secure his position, Crawford began working for the 4th Earl of Lennox. The Earl was the grandfather of the future King James VI. Crawford became the Earl's second-in-command.
He became more well-known after Lord Darnley, Queen Mary's husband, was murdered in 1569. Crawford publicly accused others of the murder. This event was part of a larger conflict called the civil war in Scotland.
Daring Attack on Dumbarton Castle
Crawford planned a surprise attack on Dumbarton Castle. He led 150 men in the early hours of April 2, 1571. They climbed the high cliffs and walls to remove Queen Mary's soldiers.
He had help from John Cunningham of Drumquhassle and Matthew Douglas of Mains. Both also worked for the Earl of Lennox. A former castle guard named Robertson also helped. Robertson knew the castle's layout very well. He knew how the rock could be climbed. He had left Queen Mary's side after his wife was publicly punished.
The attack began after a peace agreement ended on April 1, 1571. That evening, Crawford left Glasgow with his men and Robertson. They met other captains near the castle. There, they got ropes and ladders. The night was foggy, which helped them stay hidden.
Scaling the Cliffs
The first attempt to place the ladders failed. The ladders slipped, but no alarm was raised. On the second try, the ladders were more secure. Their steel hooks dug into the rock. The leaders then reached a small ledge where an ash tree grew. They tied their ropes to the tree and pulled up the rest of their team.
They were still only halfway up the castle wall. They set up their ladders again for the next climb. During this climb, one soldier had a seizure. He gripped the ladder so tightly that no one could pass. Crawford quickly tied the soldier to the ladder. He then turned the ladder around, allowing the others to continue.
Almost all the men reached the bottom of the castle wall. Crawford's flag bearer and two soldiers climbed the wall first. They fought three guards until the rest of the group joined them. The old wall then collapsed, creating a gap. Crawford's men rushed in, shouting, "A Darnley, a Darnley!" This was their secret signal.
Capturing the Castle
The wall was breached on the north-east side, which was the highest part of the castle. This area was thought to be the least guarded. Crawford's men quickly took control of the eastern peak. They captured the cannon there and turned it on the castle's defenders. The soldiers inside offered little resistance. They preferred to escape rather than fight.
The castle governor, Fleming, managed to escape through a secret gate. This gate opened onto the River Clyde. He reached Argyllshire. Important supporters of Queen Mary were found inside. The French ambassador was allowed to leave. However, he was later caught helping Queen Mary's supporters in Edinburgh Castle.
John Hamilton, the Archbishop of St Andrews, was also found. He was wearing armor. The governor's wife, Lady Fleming, was also held but allowed to leave with her belongings. Archbishop Hamilton was hanged a few days later at Stirling Castle. The capture of important documents was also key. These papers showed Queen Mary's involvement with others in a plot against the Queen of England.
On August 28, 1571, an official law was passed. It protected Crawford and his men from any legal trouble for taking Dumbarton Castle.
Later Life and Achievements
Two years after the Dumbarton attack, Crawford helped end the siege of Edinburgh Castle. This helped unite Scotland under Queen Mary's son, Protestant King James, in 1573.
In 1579, the Hamilton family, who supported Queen Mary, were defeated. Their castles, including Craignethan Castle and Cadzow Castle, were attacked. Cadzow Castle was destroyed by Captain Thomas Crawford. He received money for this work.
Crawford's family became known as Crawford of Jordanhill. He was made Provost (leader) of Glasgow in 1577.
He was also the first person to create a scholarship from his own money at Glasgow University. This scholarship was large enough to fully support one student.
While Crawford was Provost, Glasgow Cathedral was in danger of being destroyed. This was due to religious changes during the Reformation. It is said that Crawford saved the old building. He reportedly told those who wanted to tear it down:
- "I am for pu'ing doon the auld kirk, but no till we ha'e first built a new ane"
- (I am in favor of pulling down the old church, but not until we have first built a new one).
Crawford retired to his childhood home of Kilbirnie Place. He died there on January 3, 1603. He is buried with his wife, Janet Ker, at Kilbirnie Auld Kirk. His family sold the estate in 1750.
Images for kids
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Crawford's Grave Marker
