William Maitland of Lethington facts for kids

William Maitland of Lethington (1525–9 June 1573) was an important Scottish politician and a reformer. He was the oldest son of the poet Richard Maitland.

Early Life and Education

William Maitland went to school at the University of St Andrews. This was a famous university in Scotland.

Working for the Queen

Maitland became known as "Secretary Lethington." He worked as the Secretary of State for Mary, Queen of Scots starting in 1568. He was very involved in the big political events of his time. However, he didn't fully gain the trust of any single group.

He often sided with James Stewart, 1st Earl of Moray, who was Mary's half-brother. Maitland disagreed with the very strict ideas of John Knox, a famous preacher. Maitland was very good at understanding politics in other countries, especially England. This made him a very valuable person to have around.

Ambassador to England

The Scottish lords sent Maitland to England to ask for help from Elizabeth I of England. Throughout his career, Maitland always wanted to bring Scotland and England closer together. He hoped their royal families would unite. He was a very clever ambassador at Elizabeth's court.

Maitland was involved in events surrounding the death of David Rizzio, who was Queen Mary's private secretary. Because of this, Maitland had to leave the court for a while. But he was able to get back into the Queen's good graces.

After Mary was captured at the Battle of Carberry Hill in 1567, Maitland spoke with the English ambassador, Nicholas Throckmorton. Elizabeth I wanted to know if the plan was to put Mary back on the throne. Throckmorton offered Elizabeth's help. Maitland explained that English involvement might make things worse for Mary at that time. He said it was better to be gentle and not push too hard.

Later Political Roles

When Mary fled to England in 1568, Maitland joined the new Scottish government. But he secretly worked to help Mary return to power. He was one of the Scottish representatives who met with Elizabeth's people in York in 1568. Here, he tried to clear Mary's name. He also suggested that Mary marry the Duke of Norfolk.

Maitland was arrested in 1569. Later, in 1573, Sir William Kirkcaldy of Grange helped move Maitland to Edinburgh Castle. Kirkcaldy was a strong supporter of Mary, Queen of Scots, and he held the castle for her. This meant Maitland's trial was put off.

Queen Elizabeth I sent her army, led by Sir William Drury, to help the Scottish Regent take Edinburgh Castle. Kirkcaldy fought bravely until his supplies ran out and the castle walls were badly damaged. He surrendered to Sir William Drury in May 1573. However, Drury had to hand over his prisoners to the Scottish Regent, Morton. Kirkcaldy and his brother were executed.

Maitland of Lethington was already ill. He was moved to a cell in the Leith Tolbooth. He died there the next month, on 9 July 1573. It is believed he took his own life to avoid a public execution.

Family Life

Maitland married Mary Fleming. She was one of the "Four Marys," who were Mary, Queen of Scots' main helpers when she went to France in 1548.

William Maitland had a son named James Maitland of Lethington, who was born in 1568. James later became his father's heir. William's daughter, Margaret, married Robert Ker, 1st Earl of Roxburghe.

William Maitland also had a brother, John Maitland, 1st Lord Maitland of Thirlestane, who became the Lord Chancellor of Scotland. His sister, Marie Maitland, was known for writing down important documents.

Images for kids

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  William Maitland of Lethington

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  Signatures of Mary Fleming and William Maitland, National Records of Scotland