William Ruthven, 1st Earl of Gowrie facts for kids

William Ruthven, 1st Earl of Gowrie (born around 1541 – died May 1584) was an important Scottish nobleman. He is best known for planning an event called the Raid of Ruthven, where he took the young King James VI captive.

William Ruthven: A Scottish Nobleman

William Ruthven was born in 1541 at Ruthven Castle in Perthshire, Scotland. His parents were Patrick Ruthven, 3rd Lord Ruthven and Janet Douglas. On August 23, 1581, King James VI of Scotland gave him the title of Earl of Gowrie.

Early Life and Political Involvement

Both William and his father were involved in the killing of David Rizzio in 1566. They were also active supporters of the Church of Scotland during a time when Scottish nobles often argued and formed groups against each other.

William was once in charge of Mary, Queen of Scots, when she was held at Loch Leven Castle. He wrote a friendly letter to his "great aunt," Margaret Douglas, Countess of Lennox, in June 1571. He asked about her son, Charles Stuart, 1st Earl of Lennox, and hoped for peaceful times so she could visit Scotland. He also mentioned that the young King James VI was growing tall.

The Raid of Ruthven

In 1582, Ruthven planned and carried out the Raid of Ruthven. This was a successful plan to capture the 15-year-old King James. It happened when the king was visiting Ruthven's castle near Perth, which is now known as Huntingtower Castle. King James was held captive from August 23 until he finally escaped on June 27 of the next year.

Ruthven was in charge of the government for several months while the king was held. He continued to plan against the king. Ruthven was also the last known person to have a special silver box. This box was said to contain the Casket letters, which were letters supposedly written by Mary, Queen of Scots.

Capture and Trial

Later, William Ruthven was arrested at his home in Dundee by Colonel William Stewart. Stewart surrounded the house with 100 soldiers for many hours before Ruthven gave up. This happened after the town of Dundee was ordered by King James VI to take action against Ruthven.

Ruthven was then taken to Leith and brought to Holyrood Palace. From there, he was moved to Kinneil House and then to Stirling Castle. His trial took place at Mar's Wark in Stirling.

He was executed (beheaded) at Stirling on May 3, 1584. This was because of his main role in the Raid of Ruthven. After his execution, he lost all his titles and lands. His lands were then given to the king's favorite nobles. However, his son James later had the titles given back to him in 1586.

His wife, Dorothea Stewart, went to the opening of Parliament on August 22, 1584. She knelt on the Royal Mile and cried, asking the king for kindness for her children. She was pushed away and fainted.

Family and Legacy

William Ruthven was married to Dorothea Stewart. She was the oldest daughter of Henry Stewart, 1st Lord Methven and Janet Stewart.

William and Dorothea had many children, including ten daughters and four sons:

• James Ruthven, 2nd Earl of Gowrie (died 1588)
• John Ruthven, 3rd Earl of Gowrie (born around 1577 – died August 5, 1600)
• Alexander Ruthven (born January 12, 1580 – died August 5, 1600)
• William Ruthven, who died in France before 1622
• Patrick Ruthven, who was held in the Tower of London for 19 years. He was the father of Mary Ruthven, who married the famous painter Anthony van Dyck.
• Mary Ruthven, who married John Stewart, 5th Earl of Atholl, and later John Stewart, 1st Earl of Atholl (1566–1603)
• Margaret Ruthven, who married John Graham, 4th Earl of Montrose. She was the mother of James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose.
• Sophia Ruthven (died May 1592), who was the first wife of Ludovic Stewart, 2nd Duke of Lennox
• Jean Ruthven, who was the mother of James Ogilvy, 1st Earl of Airlie
• Elizabeth "Isabel" Ruthven, who married Robert Gordon of Lochinvar. She was the mother of John Gordon, 1st Viscount of Kenmure.
• Beatrix Ruthven, who was a lady-in-waiting to Anne of Denmark. She married John Home of Cowdenknowes.
• Lilias, about whom little is known. An English ambassador wrote that she was "dead also with sorrow" after her father's execution in May 1584.
• Dorothea, who married John Wemyss of Pittencrieff
• Barbara Ruthven, who was also a lady-in-waiting to Anne of Denmark

Another source lists another daughter named Elizabeth (not Isabel):

• Elizabeth Ruthven (died 1617), who was the second wife of Sir Hugh Campbell of Loudon (died 1622).

In 1591, there were plans for Dorothea Stewart, Countess of Gowrie, to marry William Keith of Delny, but King James VI stopped it.

John and Alexander Ruthven, two of William's sons, were killed on August 5, 1600. This happened during The Gowrie Conspiracy, which was a failed attempt to kidnap or kill King James VI.