William Stewart of Monkton facts for kids
William Stewart of Monkton and Carstairs was an important Scottish landowner and a trusted helper to the king in the 1500s. He was known for his loyalty and bravery.
He was the son of Andrew Stewart, 2nd Lord Ochiltree and Agnes Cunningham. His older brother was James Stewart, Earl of Arran, who was a powerful figure at court. His sister, Margaret Stewart, was married to the famous religious leader John Knox.
According to an English diplomat named Thomas Randolph, William Stewart was sometimes called "William the Sticker." His family owned lands in places like Monkton, Ayrshire and Carstairs.
Contents
Standing Up for the King
In 1583, William Stewart showed his loyalty to James VI. He went to Ruthven Castle to oppose a group of nobles who had taken the king captive in an event called the Raid of Ruthven. During the fighting, he was injured, losing two fingers, and was captured.
Because of his loyalty, King James VI later rewarded him. In November 1584, the king gave him a regular payment from the lands of Whithorn Priory. This money had previously gone to his sister-in-law, Margaret Stewart, Mistress of Ochiltree.
Important Roles and Adventures
William Stewart of Monkton also served as the Provost of Ayr in 1585. A provost was like a mayor, in charge of the town.
He was involved in some exciting events. In 1585, a former royal favorite, James Stewart, Earl of Arran, was trying to leave Scotland with some valuable royal jewels, including a famous piece called the 'Kingis Eitche' (the Great H of Scotland). But another William Stewart, William Stewart of Caverston, stopped him at sea near a place called the Fairlie Road and made him give up the treasure.
In 1588, King James VI asked William Stewart of Monkton to help him chase a rebel named Lord Maxwell. Stewart used a ship and 120 soldiers armed with muskets. Although Maxwell managed to escape for a while, William Stewart of Monkton eventually caught him at Crossraguel.
Stewart then joined King James VI at the siege of Lochmaben Castle. He tried to arrange a peaceful surrender with the castle's defenders. However, the king decided to use cannons borrowed from England to attack the castle. After the castle was taken, the leaders of the defense were sadly executed.
His Final Days
William Stewart was looking after Lord Maxwell in a house in Edinburgh. But in July 1588, a powerful noble named Francis Stewart, 5th Earl of Bothwell attacked and killed William Stewart. He was stabbed and tried to hide, but Bothwell's men continued to attack him until he died. This sad event followed an argument between Stewart and Bothwell.
Family Life
William Stewart married Helen Cunningham. They had children, including a son also named William, and a daughter named Margaret.
His son, William Stewart, later killed James Douglas, Lord Torthorwald, in Edinburgh on 14 July 1608. This was done to get revenge for the murder of his uncle, James Stewart, Earl of Arran.
Other People Named William Stewart
It can be a bit confusing because there were several important people named William Stewart living at the same time! Here are a few others:
- William Stewart of Houston, known as Colonel Stewart
- William Stewart, who was a valet (a personal attendant) to the king
- William Stewart of Caverston, who was in charge of Dumbarton Castle and later owned land at Traquair
- William Stewart of Grandtully, who was known as the "Ruthless" because of his business deals
- William Stewart, who was a ship captain
