Alexander Seton (1382 - abt. 1440)

Born Jan 1382 in Aberdeenshire, Scotland

Ancestors

Husband of Elizabeth (Gordon) Seton — married 1408 in Scotland

Descendants

Died about 1440 at about age 58 in Aberdeenshire, Scotland [uncertain]

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Alexander Seton was an inhabitant of Medieval Scotland. Join: Scotland Project Discuss: Scotland

Biography

Alexander Seton was the son of Sir William de Seton and Janet Fleming.^[1]

He was of age in 1406 when it is said he instigated the murder of his uncle or grandfather (the relationship is in doubt), Sir David Fleming of Biggar. Fleming, a loyal supporter of the Crown was with James, then Prince of Scotland, at the Bass Rock in February 1406, when he escaped Scotland. Fleming ensured he was safely on board the ship appointed to carry him to France, although that ship never made it and James was captured and imprisoned by the English. Fleming returning home was attacked at Longherdmanston, six miles out of Edinburgh, on the 14 February 1406, by the Duke of Albany's men and killed. The men, placed under the command of Sir James Douglas of Abercorn, second son of the Earl of Douglas, and at the instigation ("provocatus per Alexandrum de Seton"), it is said, of his own grandson, Alexander Seton, "qui postea fuit dominus de Gordon" (who later was the Lord of Gordon).^[2]

On 27 March 1408, his father purchased the ward of Elizabeth Gordon daughter of deceased Sir Adam Gordon of that Ilk and Elizabeth Keith and heiress to her brother John Gordon. ^[3] His father offered her to his eldest son but he declined. Alexander accepted and within a few months Alexander had married Elizabeth Gordon as as on 20 July 1408 she and her husband received from the Regent Albany a charter of the lands of Gordon and others.^[4]

After his marriage, Alexander Seton is styled Lord of Gordon. He played an active part in the public affairs of his day. He fought at the battle of Harlaw in 1411. Later he received the rank of knighthood, before 1419, ^[5]

He went to France in 1421/1422.^[6]

On 18 January 1429/30, William Douglas, Earl of Angus, granted a Precept of sasine in favour of Alexander Seton of Gordon, of lands of Newton, Herdhill, Balbridie, Kynnordy, Mains and Easter Lednathy.

Five years later, on 15 January 1434/35 Alexander Seton of Gordon granted these lands in favour of Alexander Ogilvy, son and heir of John Ogilvy of Inverquharity, ^[7] This was witnessed Sir Walter Ogilvy of Lintrathen; Andrew Ogilvy of Inchmartin; David Ogilvy of Balmulto; John Spens, sheriff of Perth; Christian Dunyn, provost of Perth; Alexander Guthry and William Caberis, burgesses of Perth. This grantee was his nephew son of Marion Seton.

Sir Alexander was alive in 31 August 1440 ^[8] and had deceased by 3 April 1441, when his son was in possession of the title.

Elizabeth Gordon predeceased him in 1439 and was buried in St. Nicholas' Church in Aberdeen.

Sir Alexander Seton and Elizabeth Gordon had issue:

• Alexander Gordon, 1st Earl of Huntly
• Elizabeth Seton probably married to Alexander, Earl of Ross, who died in 1449.
• William Seton who gained title of Meldrum through marriage to Elizabeth, surviving daughter and heiress of William Meldrum of that Ilk. Killed 1452.
• Henry who was killed at Battle of Brechin with his brother on 14 May 1452.^[9]
• Margaret Seton, married (first) James Dunbar, 4th earl Moray; married (second) John Ogilvy

Sir Alexander was a favourite of King James I having visited the young king in France in 1421/22, while as a captive of the English James fought against Scotland's allay. Shortly thereafter Alexander negotiated for the king's release.

It is claimed by some that Alexander died in 1440, probably in Rhodes, carrying his master’s heart on a pilgrimage. This seems dubious, James’ heart was removed and the Exchequer Rolls (some years after Sir Alexander's demise) record two payments in 1444–5 to a knight of Saint John of Jerusalem returning from Rhodes bearing the heart of King James I.

Research Notes

Alexander and his wife have previously been shown, with no sourcing, as parents of the following children who are now detached:

• Katherine
• George
• Janet

Sources

1. ↑ Registrum de Panmure Vol.ii 230 see [1]
2. ↑ Fordun, vol. II. p. 439. Note Crawford's account is incorrect
3. ↑ RMS Vol.i 898 see [2]
4. ↑ RMS Vol.i 905 see [3]
5. ↑ Antiq. Aberdeen,etc., iv. 181.
6. ↑ Exch, Rolls, iv. Pref. Ixxxiv.
7. ↑ NRS GD205/20/67 see [4]
8. ↑ RMS Vol.ii 320 see [5]
9. ↑ Seton, Bruce Gordon, Sir : The House Of Seton. A Study Of Lost Causes : Free Download, Borrow, And Streaming : Internet Archive". 2021. Internet Archive.Henry Seton, Vol II, pg 382