William Graham, 2nd Earl of Montrose facts for kids

William Graham, 2nd Earl of Montrose (born 1492 – died May 24, 1571) was an important Scottish nobleman and leader. He was known for carefully guiding Scotland through the tricky political times of the mid-1500s.

Who Was William Graham?

William Graham was the oldest son of William Graham, the 1st Earl of Montrose. His mother was Annabel Drummond. The Graham family was very old and well-known in Scotland. They were originally from Normandy and became important during the time of King David I.

Working for King James V

William Graham became the Earl of Montrose when he was still young. This happened after his father died in a big battle called the Battle of Flodden.

In 1525, he was chosen to serve King James V personally. Later, in 1535, he became an ambassador to France. This was to help arrange the King's marriage. In 1536, he was part of a group that ruled Scotland while the King was away in France. King James V returned in 1537 with his new wife, Madeleine of Valois.

Montrose supported King James V. The King was trying to deal with a group that favored England, led by the Earl of Angus. Because of his loyalty, Montrose received some royal lands in 1542. These lands were in an area called Strathearn.

Serving Queen Mary

After King James V died, his young daughter Mary became Queen. Montrose was at the Scottish Parliament in 1543. He voted for the Earl of Arran to become the regent, who would rule until Queen Mary was old enough. However, when the Regent and Cardinal Beaton disagreed, Montrose supported Cardinal Beaton.

Montrose stayed an important member of the Regent's Council. In 1546, he was given more lands. These lands had been taken from the Earl of Lennox. Montrose also helped the Regent in 1547 during a siege of Broughty Castle. This happened after the Battle of Pinkie Cleugh, when the English took the castle.

Montrose was not at the important Reformation Parliament in 1560. This Parliament changed Scotland's official religion. When Queen Mary returned from France in 1561, Montrose was the only nobleman to attend her first Catholic church service. In 1563, a bishop told the Pope that Montrose was still loyal to the Catholic faith.

Montrose became a member of the Queen's Privy Council in 1561. He supported Queen Mary's marriage to Lord Darnley. He tried to stay neutral during the difficult times that followed. For example, he disagreed with the Queen being removed from power. He also disagreed with her being held prisoner at Lochleven Castle. After she escaped, he joined her at Hamilton. However, he did not join her army in battle. His own grandson, who would inherit his title, was on the other side.

William Graham, 2nd Earl of Montrose, passed away in Kincardine on May 24, 1571.

Montrose's Family

In December 1515, Montrose married Janet Keith. She was the daughter of the 3rd Earl Marischal. They had many children together:

• Robert Graham, Master of Graham, died in the Battle of Pinkie Cleugh in 1547. He had a son named John Graham, who became the 3rd Earl of Montrose after his grandfather died.
• Alexander Graham of Wallaceston.
• William Graham, who was a church leader in Killearn.
• Mungo Graham of Rathernis, who worked for King James VI.
• Margaret Graham, who married Robert, Master of Erskine.
• Elizabeth Graham, who married George Sinclair, 4th Earl of Caithness.
• Agnes Graham, who married Sir William Murray of Tullibardine.
• Janet Graham, who married Sir Andrew Murray of Balvaird. Their children included David Murray, 1st Viscount of Stormont.
• Christian Graham, who married Robert Graham of Knockdolian.