William Ruthven, 2nd Lord Ruthven facts for kids
William Ruthven, 2nd Lord Ruthven (who passed away in December 1552) was an important Scottish nobleman. He held significant roles in the government, serving as an Extraordinary Lord of Session and the Keeper of the Privy Seal.
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Early Life and Family Connections
William Ruthven was the son of William, Master of Ruthven, and Jean Hepburne. His father was also known as Lindsay for a time, due to his mother's family name, until he was officially recognized on July 2, 1480. William became the 2nd Lord Ruthven after his grandfather, William Ruthven, 1st Lord Ruthven, sometime before September 10, 1528. On that date, the king gave him the important job of looking after the king's hospital near Speygate in Perth.
Public Service and Key Roles
In February 1532, Lord Ruthven and other noblemen were fined. This happened because they did not show up to be jurors at a trial in Forfar. He became an Extraordinary Lord of Session on November 27, 1533. This was a special position in the highest court of Scotland. On August 8, 1542, he was also named a member of the Privy Council. This group advised the king on important matters.
On August 28, 1536, the king officially gave him and his family the lands of Glenshie in Strathearn. These lands were made into a special "free forest."
Supporting Religious Freedom
At a parliament meeting in Edinburgh in March 1543, after King James V died, Lord Ruthven spoke up. He argued that ordinary people should be allowed to read the Bible in English. This was a big deal at the time. During the same parliament, he was chosen as one of eight noblemen. Two of these noblemen would take turns looking after the young Queen Mary every three months.
Political Changes and Responsibilities
On July 24, 1543, Lord Ruthven signed an agreement to support Cardinal Beaton. However, his support for the Cardinal did not last long. In 1544, he even used force to oppose the Cardinal's choice for the leader of Perth.
In July 1546, Lord Ruthven was given another important job: Keeper of the Privy Seal. This meant he was in charge of the official seal used for important government documents. On August 24 of the same year, he appeared before the Privy Council. He acted as a guarantor for Patrick Hepburn, 3rd Earl of Bothwell. This meant he promised that Bothwell's ships would not capture any ships from the Dutch, Flemish, or Hungarians. On September 13, he received a permanent grant of the king's house in Perth, which he was already looking after. He passed away in early December 1552.
Family Life and Descendants
In 1515, William Ruthven married Janet Haliburton. She was the heiress of the Haliburton family from Dirleton Castle. Janet was also the sister of Mariotta Haliburton, Countess of Home.
William and Janet had a large family with three sons and seven daughters:
- Patrick Ruthven, 3rd Lord Ruthven: He inherited his father's title.
- James Ruthven of Forteviot
- Alexander Ruthven of Freeland
- Lilias Ruthven: She married David Drummond, 2nd Lord Drummond. Lilias was known for being very religious. A writer named Robert Alexander even dedicated a poem to her in 1539. Their daughter, Anne Drummond, was the first wife of John Erskine, Earl of Mar.
- Catherine Ruthven: She married Sir Colin Campbell of Glenorchy in 1551.
- Cecilia Ruthven: She married Sir David Wemyss. She was the mother of Sir John Wemyss.
- Barbara Ruthven: She married Patrick Gray, 5th Lord Gray.
- Janet Ruthven: She married John Crichton of Strathaird.
- Margaret Ruthven: She married John Johnstone of Elphinstone.
- Christina Ruthven: She married William Lundin.
