William Ruthven, 1st Lord Ruthven facts for kids

William Ruthven, 1st Lord Ruthven (who died around 1528) was an important Scottish nobleman. He was the first person in the famous Ruthven family to hold the title of Lord.

William Ruthven became a Lord of Parliament in February 1488. This happened when James III of Scotland called a special meeting of the Parliament of Scotland. The King wanted Ruthven's help against rebels. These rebels wanted to make the King's son, James, Duke of Rothesay, the new King.

In March 1488, King James III left Edinburgh. He met with Ruthven in Perth, and they traveled to Aberdeen. They faced the Prince's army for the first time near Blackness Castle. The King had to talk with the rebels. As part of the agreement, William Ruthven was given to the rebels as a hostage.

Ruthven might have been chosen as a hostage because he was a rival of Lord Oliphant. Lord Oliphant was one of the rebels. They both wanted the important job of Sheriff of Perth. Ruthven stayed a prisoner until the fighting ended. This was after King James III died at the Battle of Sauchieburn. Ruthven had to pay a large sum of money, £1000, to be set free.

In August 1513, William Ruthven became a Privy Counsellor of Scotland. This meant he was a trusted advisor to the King. After 1515, he also became one of the people who looked after the young King James V of Scotland.

Family Life of Lord Ruthven

Lord Ruthven was married two times. He had children from both marriages.

First Marriage

William Ruthven first married a woman named Isabel Livingston. They had one son:

• William Ruthven, who was known as the Master of Ruthven. Sadly, he died in 1513 at the Battle of Flodden.

Second Marriage

Lord Ruthven then married Christian Forbes. She was the daughter of William Forbes, 3rd Lord Forbes. They had four children together:

• John Ruthven (who died around 1548)
• William Ruthven of Ballindean
• Margaret Ruthven, who married four times. Her husbands were Alexander Stewart, 2nd Earl of Buchan, John Erskine of Dun, James Stewart of Ryland, and William Wood of Bonnyton.
• Elizabeth Ruthven, who married two times. Her husbands were William Hay, 5th Earl of Erroll and Ninian Ross, 3rd Lord Ross.