Alexander Gordon

Alexander Gordon

3rd Earl of Huntly
Country: Great Britain

Content:
  1. A Nobleman's Rise and Role in Subduing the Highlands
  2. Quest for Compromise and Rebellion
  3. Royal Commissioner and Highland Uprising
  4. Military Triumphs and Gaelic Suppression
  5. Battle of Flodden and Regency
  6. Sister's Controversial Marriage

A Nobleman's Rise and Role in Subduing the Highlands

Early Life and Influences

Alexander Gordon, the third Earl of Huntly, was born into a lineage of Scottish nobility. As the eldest son of George Gordon, the second Earl of Huntly, and Annabella Stewart, daughter of King James I of Scotland, he inherited an esteemed position within the kingdom.

Quest for Compromise and Rebellion

In 1488, amidst a Scottish baronial uprising against King James III, Gordon played a pivotal role in negotiations aimed at compromise. These efforts proved unsuccessful, leading Gordon and his father to rebel against the oppressive rule of the Hepburns and Humes in 1489. However, their rebellion was swiftly quelled, and Gordon reconciled with the king.

Royal Commissioner and Highland Uprising

In 1501, Gordon was appointed as royal commissioner in northern Scotland, granting him extensive authority. His mandate was to quell the unruly Highlanders and enforce royal authority. Gordon's assertive actions ignited a fierce Gaelic uprising in 1501-1506.

Military Triumphs and Gaelic Suppression

As the leader of royal forces, Gordon led the suppression of the Gaelic rebellion. He fortified Inverlochy Castle, establishing it as a royal stronghold in the northern Highlands. In 1506, he led a formidable naval fleet to capture and destroy Stornoway Castle, the heart of the rebellion on the Isle of Lewis.

While Gordon's victories did not fully pacify the Highlands, they significantly bolstered the influence of the Earls of Huntly. They became indispensable agents of royal authority in northern Scotland.

Battle of Flodden and Regency

Gordon joined the Scottish invasion of England in 1513 and commanded a battalion at the Battle of Flodden. Despite localized successes, the bataille ended in disaster for Scotland, resulting in the death of King James IV.

During the minority of James V, Gordon was a member of the regency council led by the Duke of Albany. While he did not actively engage in the political power struggles within the regency, he continued to serve as royal lieutenant in northern Scotland, suppressing Highland unrest.

Sister's Controversial Marriage

Gordon's sister, Catherine, married Perkin Warbeck, a pretender to the English throne. This controversial union further complicated Gordon's position in Scottish politics.

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