William Stewart of Houston facts for kids

Sir William Stewart of Houston (born around 1540, died around 1605) was an important Scottish soldier, politician, and diplomat. He was often known as "Colonel Stewart." He also held the title "Commendator of Pittenweem," which meant he managed the lands of a religious house.

Life as a Soldier and Diplomat

Sir William Stewart started his career as a soldier in the Netherlands. He became a colonel there. He also communicated with important English leaders like Lord Burghley about what was happening.

In 1582, he returned to Scotland. King James VI made him captain of his royal guard. In 1583, Stewart visited the English court. He went there to represent King James's interests.

Later that year, Stewart helped King James. He helped free the young king from William Ruthven, 1st Earl of Gowrie. This event is known as the Raid of Ruthven. Stewart also helped bring the king's cousin, James Stewart, Earl of Arran, back to power. These actions greatly strengthened King James's position. On September 4, 1583, King James gave Colonel Stewart some of his mother's jewels. These jewels had belonged to Mary, Queen of Scots.

Stewart became a privy councillor. This meant he was a trusted advisor to the king. He helped Arran govern Scotland. In April 1584, he captured Gowrie in Dundee. However, in 1585, Stewart and Arran lost their power. Stewart then traveled to Denmark and France. He went on secret missions for the king.

Helping with the King's Marriage

Colonel Stewart played a big role in King James's marriage plans. The king wanted to marry a Danish princess. Stewart joined an important group of ambassadors. In February 1588, news arrived that Stewart had returned from Denmark. He brought news that King James should marry Anne of Denmark. Her mother, Sophie of Mecklenburg-Güstrow, thought Anne was the best choice for him.

In 1589, Stewart traveled to Norway. This is where the Danish fleet carrying Anne of Denmark had stopped. He brought back letters from Anne to King James. He then returned to Norway. In December 1590, he sailed to Scotland. He carried instructions from King James for the ruling council. These orders included preparing ships for the king's return. They also covered the reception ceremony for the queen and repairs to Holyrood Palace.

Stewart arrived at Kronborg on April 4. He carried a letter for King James from Queen Elizabeth. On April 7, 1590, he wrote to the English diplomat in Edinburgh, Robert Bowes. Stewart commanded the ships that brought King James and his new wife, Anne, from Denmark in April 1590.

In June 1590, King James VI of Scotland sent John Skene and Stewart as ambassadors. They went to Denmark and Germany. Their mission was to create a peaceful alliance in Europe. They met Anne of Denmark's mother, Sophie of Mecklenburg-Güstrow, in Braunschweig. Then they met other important leaders.

Dealing with Rebellions

Stewart was held in Edinburgh Castle in January 1592. People thought he had helped the rebel Francis Stewart, 5th Earl of Bothwell. Bothwell had tried to capture King James VI at Holyrood Palace. Stewart's wife, Erika, was also sent away from court. This was because she caused arguments between the Chancellor, John Maitland, and King James and Queen Anne.

In June 1592, Stewart was at Falkland Palace. He was arrested again. People suspected he was planning to help Bothwell capture the king. He was then held at Burleigh Castle. In July 1592, important officials questioned him. They asked about his dealings with Bothwell. Stewart said he had played cards with Bothwell in Edinburgh Castle. This was shortly before Bothwell escaped in June 1591. Stewart denied helping Bothwell escape.

To gain favor, Stewart and Sir James Sandilands accused Alexander Lindsay, 1st Lord Spynie. They said Spynie had helped Bothwell at Aberdour Castle in 1592. But Spynie denied this.

Later Diplomatic Roles

Stewart went on missions to the Netherlands twice. In 1594, he was made a knight. He was also given lands in Houston. In September 1595, it was heard that he had been in Mecklenburg and Braunschweig. There, Christian IV of Denmark had traveled to meet his future wife.

King James VI made him Lieutenant of the Isles in 1596. This meant he was in charge of the Western Isles. This caused some anger. The Earl of Argyll refused to meet with him.

In May 1598, he went on a diplomatic trip to Denmark. He escorted Ulrik, Duke of Holstein, who had been traveling. Stewart returned in July.

Final Years

In February 1600, he met the Earl of Gowrie at Holyrood Palace. Stewart had arrested the earl's father many years before. The earl seemed to hesitate before moving out of Stewart's way. Stewart noticed this. He complained to the king. He felt it was an insult to his long service. He also warned that Gowrie could be a threat. Gowrie heard about this. He said, "Aquila non captat muscus," which means "the eagle does not catch flies." This meant he thought Stewart was not important enough for his attention.

Sir William Stewart died before 1606.

Family Life

Stewart married Erica or Erika in 1582. She was the Countess of Batenburg and Manderscheid. They were given lands at Tantallon Castle in November 1584.

On June 7, 1590, he married Isobel Hepburn. This wedding took place at Holyroodhouse. Queen Anne of Denmark was the godmother to his only son, Frederick (born 1591, died 1625). Their daughter Anna was baptized in June 1595. Isobel Hepburn also provided information that led to an arrest in 1592.

William Stewart's son, also named William Stewart, was later made a peer. He became Lord Pittenweem in 1609. He died in December 1625.

Other People Named William Stewart

Sir William Stewart of Houston is sometimes confused with other people who had the same name during his time. These include:

• William Stewart of Banchrie and Grandtully (1567-1646), who worked at the royal court.
• William Stewart of Monkton (died 1588), who was a brother of James Stewart, Earl of Arran. He died in a fight in Edinburgh.
• William Stewart (courtier), who was a personal attendant to King James VI.
• William Stewart of Caverston, who later owned Traquair House. He was also Captain of Dumbarton Castle.
• William Stewart, who was a ship captain.