William Cunningham, 4th Earl of Glencairn facts for kids
William Cunningham (born around 1480, died 1548) was an important Scottish nobleman and soldier. He was known for being involved in many political plans and changes during his time. He held the titles of 4th Earl of Glencairn and 5th Lord of Kilmaurs.
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His Family Background
William Cunningham was the oldest son of Cuthbert Cunningham, who was the 3rd Earl of Glencairn. His mother was Lady Marjory, the eldest daughter of Archibald Douglas, 5th Earl of Angus.
His father, Cuthbert, was the son of Robert Cunyngham, the 2nd Earl of Glencairn. Robert's wife was Elizabeth Lindsay.
Changing Sides: His Loyalties
When William was still known as Lord Kilmaurs, he was a strong supporter of the English King, Henry VIII. He even received money from King Henry.
In 1524, he joined forces with the Earls of Arran and Lennox. They took control of Edinburgh and tried to separate the young King James V from his mother, the Queen Mother.
William was made the Lord High Treasurer of Scotland on June 26, 1526. This was a very important job, but he only held it for a few months, until October 29 of the same year.
In 1538, he traveled to France with David Bethune. Bethune later became a famous Cardinal. Their trip was to help arrange King James V's marriage to Mary of Guise.
Political Plans and Challenges
William became the 4th Earl of Glencairn just before 1542, after his father passed away. He and his oldest son, Alexander, who was now Lord Kilmaurs, were very involved in the political plans of the time. They supported the group that wanted to change the church, known as the religious Reformers.
In 1542, the English captured the Earl at the Battle of Solway Moss. He was held by the Duke of Norfolk. William was released after paying a large sum of money, a thousand pounds. He also agreed to support King Henry VIII's plan. This plan was for Henry's son, Prince Edward, to marry the young Scottish Queen.
In March 1543, William met with the English ambassador Ralph Sadler and the Earl of Angus. Sadler asked them about their progress on King Henry's plans. Glencairn said he didn't have much money. However, he offered to fight France with 5,000 men for King Henry. Later that day, he put his promises in writing for Sadler. Glencairn even suggested that if he was put in charge of Mary, Queen of Scots, King Henry would surely get her under his control.
In 1544, William joined forces with the Earl of Lennox. They were attacked on Glasgow Muir by Regent Arran and suffered a big defeat. Many of their men were killed, including William's second son. Glencairn managed to escape to Dumbarton almost by himself.
By September, he and his son Lord Kilmaurs stopped supporting King Henry. In November, the Regent pardoned Glencairn. He then joined the Regent's army to attack Coldingham, which was held by the English. However, an English force from Berwick scattered their army.
In March 1544, Glencairn and his son again started communicating with the English government. They continued to support the English side in Scotland. William was also connected to the plot against Cardinal Bethune.
William Glencairn died in March 1548. At the time of his death, he was receiving money from France. This was for his loyalty to the Auld Alliance, a long-standing friendship between Scotland and France.
His Marriages and Children
William Cunningham was married two times.
His first wife was Catherine Borthwick, the second daughter of William Borthwick, 3rd Lord Borthwick. They had several children:
- Alexander Cunningham, 5th Earl of Glencairn, who became a strong supporter of the Protestant church.
- Andrew Cunningham, who was an ancestor of the Cunninghams of Corsehill.
- Hugh Cunningham, who was an ancestor of the Cunninghams of Carlung.
- Robert Cunningham, who was an ancestor of the Cunninghams of Montgrenan.
- William Cunningham, who became the Bishop of Argyll.
- Lady Elizabeth Cunningham, who married Sir John Cunningham of Caprington.
- Lady Janet Cunningham, who married Robert Ferguson.
His second wife was Margaret (also known as Elizabeth) Campbell. She was the daughter and heir of John Campbell of West Loudon.
See also
