William Keith, 4th Earl Marischal facts for kids
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William Keith, 4th Earl Marischal (died October 7, 1581), was an important Scottish nobleman and politician. He lived during a time of big changes in Scotland, including battles and religious shifts. He was known for his wealth and for living a quiet life later on at his home, Dunnottar Castle.
Family and Early Life
William Keith was the grandson of William Keith, 3rd Earl Marischal, and he took over the title after his grandfather. His father was Robert Keith, Master of Marischal, and his mother was Lady Elizabeth Douglas.
In 1537, William Keith traveled to France with King James V. They went for the King's wedding to Madeleine of Valois, who was the daughter of King Francis I of France. The wedding happened on January 1, 1537, at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. After the wedding, there were several days of Jousting at the Louvre.
Important Events and Roles
William Keith fought in the Battle of Pinkie in 1547. In this battle, the Scottish forces were defeated by the English army. This battle was part of a conflict known as the War of the Rough Wooing. It is said that Keith supported the idea of marrying the young Mary, Queen of Scots, to Prince Edward of England, who was the son of King Henry VIII.
He also held an important legal position as an Extraordinary Lord of Session in 1541, 1561, and 1573. In 1561, he became a member of Queen Mary's Privy Council. This council was a group of advisors to the Queen. While he didn't take extreme sides in politics, he supported the Reformation, which was a big religious movement at the time.
Later in his life, the Earl Marischal chose to live a quiet life. He retired to his large home, Dunnottar Castle, with his great fortune. People in the area sometimes called him "William of the Tower." He passed away on October 7, 1581.
Family Life and Children
William Keith married Margaret Keith. Together, they had thirteen children:
- William Keith, Master of Marischal (died 1580).
- Robert Keith, 1st Lord Altrie (died 1596).
- John Keith, who was likely a church leader in Duffas.
- Agnes Keith, Countess of Moray (also known as Annas). She married the Regent Moray first, and then Colin Campbell, 6th Earl of Argyll. She died on July 16, 1588.
- Alexander Keith.
- Alison, who married Alexander Abernethy, 6th Lord Saltoun (died 1587).
- Mary, who married Sir John Campbell of Calder.
- Beatrice, who married Sir John Allardice of Allardice. She died on May 19, 1596.
- Joneta, who married James Crichton of Frendraught.
- Margaret, who married John Kennedy of Blairquhan.
- Elizabeth, who married Sir Alexander Irvine of Drum. Their son, Robert Irvine, worked for George, Earl Marischal, during a trip to Denmark.
- Isobel, who married Alexander Strachan of Thornton. She died in August 1595.
- Barbara, who was supposed to marry Alexander Strachan if her sister Isobel couldn't. She ended up marrying Alexander Forbes of Pitsligo.
William Keith's main home was Dunnottar Castle in Aberdeenshire. When he died on October 7, 1581, his grandson, George Keith, became the 5th Earl Marischal. George was the son of William, Master of Marischal.
Coat of Arms
A coat of arms is a special design that represents a family or a person. It often includes symbols and a motto. William Keith, as the Earl Marischal, had his own coat of arms. The motto "Veritas Vincit" means "Truth conquers."
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