Biography of Ludovic Stewart 2nd Duke Lennox 1st Duke Richmond 1574-1624

Paternal Family Tree: Stewart

Maternal Family Tree: Catherine Balsac Duchess Lennox

1580 Earldoms of Lennox and March Swapped

1600 Gowrie Conspiracy

1608 Masque of The Hue and Cry After Cupid

On 29 Sep 1574 Ludovic Stewart 2nd Duke Lennox 1st Duke Richmond was born to Esme Stewart 1st Duke Lennox (age 32) and Catherine Balsac Duchess Lennox.

Earldoms of Lennox and March Swapped

On 05 Mar 1580 Robert Stewart 1st Earl Lennox 1st Earl March (age 58) resigned Earl Lennox. On the same day he was created 1st Earl March. Elizabeth Stewart Countess Arran Countess Lennox and March (age 31) by marriage Countess March.

On the same day [his father] Esme Stewart 1st Duke Lennox (age 38) was created 1st Earl Lennox by King James I of England and Ireland and VI of Scotland (age 13) for being his favourite. [his mother] Catherine Balsac Duchess Lennox by marriage Lord Aubigny.

On 05 Aug 1581 [his father] Esme Stewart 1st Duke Lennox (age 39) was created 1st Duke Lennox. [his mother] Catherine Balsac Duchess Lennox by marriage Duchess Lennox.

On 26 May 1583 [his father] Esme Stewart 1st Duke Lennox (age 41) died. His son Ludovic Stewart 2nd Duke Lennox 1st Duke Richmond (age 8) succeeded 2nd Duke Lennox, 2nd Earl Lennox.

In 1589 John Fleming 2nd Earl Wigtown was born to John Fleming 1st Earl Wigtown (age 22) and Lilias Graham Countess Graham. He was baptised on 05 Dec 1589 at Kincardine Castle - Ludovic Stewart 2nd Duke Lennox 1st Duke Richmond (age 14) and Francis Stewart 5th Earl Bothwell (age 26) attended. Coefficient of inbreeding 3.25%.

Before Jun 1590 Ludovic Stewart 2nd Duke Lennox 1st Duke Richmond (age 15) and Sophia Ruthven Duchess Lennox were married. She by marriage Duchess Lennox. She the daughter of William Ruthven 1st Earl Gowrie and Dorothea Stewart Countess Gowrie. He the son of Esme Stewart 1st Duke Lennox and Catherine Balsac Duchess Lennox. They were third cousins.

Around Mar 1592 Henry Prannell and [his future wife] Frances Howard Duchess Lennox and Richmond (age 13) were married.

Around Aug 1598 Ludovic Stewart 2nd Duke Lennox 1st Duke Richmond (age 23) and Jean Campbell Duchess Lennox (age 45) were married. She by marriage Duchess Lennox. The difference in their ages was 21 years; she, unusually, being older than him. He the son of Esme Stewart 1st Duke Lennox and Catherine Balsac Duchess Lennox. They were second cousin once removed.

Gowrie Conspiracy

On 05 Aug 1600. The Gowrie Conspiracy was an attempt by [his brother-in-law] John Ruthven 3rd Earl Gowrie (age 23) and his brother [his brother-in-law] Alexander Ruthven (age 20) to kill King James I (age 34). He, King James, had had their father William Ruthven 1st Earl Gowrie executed for his part in the Raid of Ruthven eighteen years earlier.

The attempt was botched. John Ruthven 3rd Earl Gowrie (age 23) and Alexander Ruthven (age 20) were killed, the former by John Ramsay 1st Earl Holderness (age 20).

[his brother-in-law] William Ruthven fled to France.

Patrick Ruthven was imprisoned for nineteen years at the Tower of London [Map].

On 27 May 1601 Edward Seymour 1st Earl Hertford (age 62) and [his future wife] Frances Howard Duchess Lennox and Richmond (age 22) were married. She by marriage Countess Hertford. The difference in their ages was 39 years. He the son of Edward Seymour 1st Duke Somerset and Anne Stanhope Duchess Somerset. They were half third cousins. He a great x 5 grandson of King Edward III of England.

In 1603 Ludovic Stewart 2nd Duke Lennox 1st Duke Richmond (age 28) was appointed 395th Knight of the Garter by King James I of England and Ireland and VI of Scotland (age 36).

Masque of The Hue and Cry After Cupid

On 09 Feb 1608 John Ramsay 1st Earl Holderness (age 28) and Elizabeth Radclyffe Viscountess Haddington were married at Whitehall Palace [Map]. She by marriage Viscountess Haddington. She the daughter of Robert Radclyffe 5th Earl of Sussex (age 34) and Bridget Morrison Countess Sussex.

James I (age 41) gave the bride away and sent the bride a gold cup containing a grant of lands worth an income of £600 per year, also paid off Ramsay's debts of £10,000.

The marriage was celebrated with the Masque of The Hue and Cry After Cupid in the evening of 09 Feb 1608 at the Banqueting House, Whitehall Palace [Map] written by Ben Johnson (age 36).

The principal masquers, nobles and gentlemen of the Court, appeared in the guise of the twelve signs of the Zodiac; the men, five English and seven Scottish courtiers, were:

Ludovic Stewart 2nd Duke Lennox 1st Duke Richmond (age 33).

Thomas Howard 21st Earl Arundel 4th Earl Surrey 1st Earl Norfolk (age 22).

Philip Herbert 4th Earl Pembroke 1st Earl Montgomery (age 23).

William Herbert 3rd Earl Pembroke (age 27).

[his brother] Esmé Stewart 3rd Duke Lennox (age 29).

Theophilus Howard 2nd Earl Suffolk (age 25).

James Hay 1st Earl Carlisle (age 28).

Robert Crichton 8th Lord Sanquhar.

John Kennedy, Master of Mar.

Robert Rich 2nd Earl Warwick (age 20).

Mr Erskine.

Around 1610 [his wife] Jean Campbell Duchess Lennox (age 57) died.

In 1611 John Eyre (age 31) and Dorothy Bulstrode Lady in Waiting (age 19) attempted to murder Edward Herbert 1st Baron Herbert Chirbury (age 28) who he suspected of having an affair with his wife (Dorothy Bulstrode Lady in Waiting (age 19)). Eyre (age 31) and four accomplices caught up with Herbert (age 28) and his two footmen at Scotland Yard as he was leaving Whitehall Palace [Map], and wounded his horse several times. Eyre (age 31) broke Herbert's sword. Twenty more men appeared, Herbert thought them Eyre's supporters and attendants of the Earl of Suffolk (age 49). Two other men helped Herbert, and after a prolonged struggle he wounded Eyre, who was carried to the Thames vomiting. A few days later Eyre sent a message that he would kill Herbert with "a musket out of a window". Meanwhile, because Eyre (age 31) claimed Dorothy had confessd to being unfaithful, she sent a letter to her aunt Lady Croke (Note. probably Prudence Croke (age 44) possibly Elizabeth Croke denying this, and Herbert was able to give this letter to the Privy Council. The Duke of Lennox (age 36) said that John Eyre was "the most miserable man living" because of the shame of Dorothy's letter, and because his father had disinherited him on hearing of the assault.

Letters of the Court of James I 1613 Reverend Thomas Lorkin Sir Thomas Puckering Baronet 08 Jul 1613. 08 Jul 1613. London. Reverend Thomas Lorkin to Thomas Puckering 1st Baronet (age 21).

Painters and poets may lie by privilege; but such as undertake to make relation of things that pass, should tell naught but truth. Pardon me, therefore, if I must now revoke what in my last letters I writ for certain, touching the swearing of Sir David Murray and Sir Robert Carr (age 35) in his highness's bedchamber. I received it very confidently from Sir John Harrington's (age 73) mouth. But I have found since, by my inquiry, that they only procured the king's warrant, which met with afterwards that opposition from the lords, as it rests yet doubtful whether and when it shall take effect. The prince's household is not yet settled; yesterday the council sat about it, and the opinion was that the king would then sign the book.

My Lord Stanhope's (age 64)1 son (age 20) is lately fallen lunatic; and the little hope that is conceived of his recovery makes divers of your friends think that it was your hard fortune to be no more forward in embracing those offers which were formerly made you out of that house.

You have heard long since, I suppose, of the great difference between my Lord of Essex (age 22) and his lady (age 23), who hath most earnestly sued for a divorce, pretending the only cause to be of her husband's insufficiency; who confesseth it towards her, though he esteems himself well enough provided for any other. It was expected that a nullity of marriage should have been pronounced by my Lord of Canterbury (age 50) at the end of last term, but the sentence is deferred to the term following; which, if it be given in favour of her, it is generally believed that a match shall be concluded between my Lord of Rochester (age 26) and her: thereby to reconcile him and the house of Howard together, who are now far enough asunder.

The news of the great entertainment at the Palatine's I court is but newly arrived here. It consists chiefly in matter of good cheer, after the fashion of the country. They talk of I know not how many hundred tables which should be every day prepared; but you will easily proportion them out yourself, when you shall hear of the number of mouths, which were no fewer, every meal, than 6000. The same messenger brings tidings that her grace is with child, and that there wants not the concurrence of all sach tokens and probabilities as are usually observed in women in that state and condition.

The Duke of Lennox (age 38)2 arrived in Paris on Saturday last, as we are informed here, having made that the way of his return home from Heidelberg. He pretends the occasion of his stay there to be, the seeking to obtain the command of the company of horse which our Prince Charles had, when he was but Duke of York. But, though made an absolute refusal of it before his coming, he having employed himself in that business by commission from our king, the true cause of his stay is thought to be a treaty of marriage between Prince Charles and Madame Christine, which, having been long time negociated by Sir Thomas Edraondes, is thought shall receive its final conclusion from him.

Sir Thomas Waller (deceased), governor of Dover Castle, is lately dead. His place is already disposed of; but I cannot say certainly how. Sir Thomas Somerset (age 34)3 inquires very kindly after you, and you shall do well to omit no good means of entertaining his good opinion still.

Note 1. John (age 64), created an English baron by the title of Lord Stanhope of Harrington, May 4, 1605. He died March 9, 1621, leaving issue one daughter only. [Note. He left issue Charles Stanhope 2nd Baron Stanhope (age 20), Elizabeth Stanhope Lady Talmash and Catherine Stanhope Countess Leinster]

Note 2. Lodovick Stuart. He was high chamberlain and admiral of Scotland, and in 1601 was Bent by James ambassador to the court of France. In October, 1613, he was created Baron Setrington and Earl of Richmond. He filled the offices of master of the hoasehold, first gentleman of the bedchamber, was invested with the garter, and appointed commissioner to the parliament; and, in 1623, was further advanced to the dignities of the Earl of Newcastle and Duke of Richmond. Though twice married, the Duke of Lennox died without issue, in February. 1624.

Note 3. Third son (age 34) of Edward, Earl of Worcester (age 63). He was afterwards created Viscount Somerset of Cassel (Cashel) in Ireland.

Letters of the Court of James I 1613 Reverend Thomas Lorkin to Sir Thomas Puckering Baronet 15 Jul 1613. 15 Jul 1613. London. Reverend Thomas Lorkin to Thomas Puckering 1st Baronet (age 21).

Since my last letters, the king hath signed the book for the prince's household, and *** first entry thereupon on Friday last. The same day were sworn unto him all such officers as have been thought fit to be about him for the present. In the bed-chamber - Sir Robert Carey (age 30), Sir James Fullerton (age 50), Robert Carr of Ancram (age 35), were sworn gentlemen, whereof the last came in by my Lord of Rochester's (age 26) means. Sir David Murray was not only rejected, but taxed openly at the council-table, for having suggested none of the best counsels to the late prince deceased. Into the same place were sworn, as grooms, Mr. Kirk, Mr. Gray (who was formerly his highness's page), and Pitcairne, who, till then, supplied the office of carver. This man is likewise one of my Lord of Rochester's (age 26) creatures. In the privy-chamber were sworn gentlemen-ushers, Sir William Irwin and Mr. Heydon, to the prejudice of Sir Robert Darcy, who is left out for a wrangler, notwithstanding his continual attendance since his last master's death ***. In quality of gentlemen were sworn into the same place, Sir Arthur Mainwaring (age 33), Sir Edward Vemey (age 23), Sir Edward Lewis, Mr. Clare, and Mr. Dallington. The grooms are taken out of the gentlemen-waiters to the prince, while he was Duke of York, without the addition of any, unless it be Trotter, who is either already come in, or like to obtain the like condition very soon. Mr. Young and Mr. Alexander are sworn gentlemen-ushers of the presence. For carvers, cup-bearers, and sewers, I have not yet learned certainly who they be; but I hear there is little alteration. Ramsay is the first equerry, and Sir Thomas Howard (age 28) master of the horse. The great officers rest still in expectation. Sir David Foulis, it seems, promiseth himself the best assurance; for he executes his place still, though more by permission and sufferance than any commission he hath received to that purpose. D. Ramsay and **** have been great suitors, but with as bad success as may be.

The court is at Theobalds, where his majesty (age 47) hath been much afflicted with a flux and griping of the belly. He is much amended; and, if the occasion of this sickness alter, not his purpose, begins his progress in [Wiltshire], and so to Salisbury, Wiltshire, next Saturday. The queen (age 38), likewise, returns to the Bath, Somerset [Map] the Saturday following.

The chief subject of our French news is the compounding of the quarrel between the Dukes of Savoy (age 51) and Mantua; whereof to write aught to you, who live so near them, were to send owls to Athens.

There hath lately fallen out a great difference between the Duke de Rohan and Monsieur de Plessis (both men of principal mark of them of the Religion, though in a several kind); but what is the cause of their quarrel I yet know not. The chief church there is not a little troubled at it, insomuch that the deputies-general have sent Monsieur Durand, one of the ministers of Paris, down into those parts, to clear the matter, and to mediate a friendly peace between both. The Duke of Lennox (age 38) hath received there a very honourable entertainment. He was expected in the condition of ambassador; but on his arrival took no other quality than of a private person, which gives many occasion to think, that his first commission was countermanded upon the Duke of Savoy's (age 51) late ambassage hither. These are but conjectures.

I wish your return into these quarters as soon as the season of the year will permit you; it was your purpose when I left you, and I trust you still keep that resolution. The knowledge of that state is chiefly necessary, and the use of that language. I am sure you understand these things better than myself, and therefore dare not [presume] to advise you. Only my desire is the more earnestly led hereunto by an opinion I have of being able to do you there some pleasing service, and of putting into your hands the commodity of advantaging yourself [into] his highnesses favour, than either your friends or money are like to do in haste. I have heard that you have formerly had some inward acquaintance with Sir Robert Carr of Ancram (age 35). It will not be unworthy your entertaining still.

Around 1620 Daniel Mijtens (age 30). Portrait of Ludovic Stewart 2nd Duke Lennox 1st Duke Richmond (age 45).

On 16 Jun 1621 Ludovic Stewart 2nd Duke Lennox 1st Duke Richmond (age 46) and Frances Howard Duchess Lennox and Richmond (age 42) were married. She by marriage Duchess Lennox. He the son of Esme Stewart 1st Duke Lennox and Catherine Balsac Duchess Lennox.

In 1622 [his brother-in-law] William Ruthven died in France.

In 1623 Ludovic Stewart 2nd Duke Lennox 1st Duke Richmond (age 48) was created 1st Duke Richmond, 1st Earl Newcastle upon Tyne by King James I of England and Ireland and VI of Scotland (age 56). [his wife] Frances Howard Duchess Lennox and Richmond (age 44) by marriage Duchess Richmond.

On 16 Feb 1624 Ludovic Stewart 2nd Duke Lennox 1st Duke Richmond (age 49) died. He was buried at Westminster Abbey [Map]. Duke Richmond and Earl Newcastle upon Tyne extinct. His brother [his brother] Esmé Stewart 3rd Duke Lennox (age 45) succeeded 3rd Duke Lennox. Katherine Clifton Duchess Lennox (age 32) by marriage Duchess Lennox.

On 08 Oct 1639 [his former wife] Frances Howard Duchess Lennox and Richmond (age 61) died at Exeter House [Map]. She was buried at Westminster Abbey [Map].

Evelyn's Diary. 27 Apr 1641, That evening, was celebrated the pompous funeral of the Duke of Richmond, who was carried in effigy, with all the ensigns of that illustrious family, in an open chariot, in great solemnity, through London to Westminster Abbey [Map].

Autobiography Simon D'Ewes. 31 Dec 1690. The four lords that came for it were Henry Viscount Mandeville, Lord Treasurer, Lodowick Stewart, Duke of Lennox, Lord Steward of the King's house-hold, William Herbert, Earl of Pembroke, Lord Chamberlain of the same household, and Thomas Earl of Arundel, Earl Marshal of England (whom I should have placed before Pembroke); they, coming to York House [Map] to him, where he lay, told him they were sorry to visit him upon such an occasion, and wished it had been better. "No, my lords," replied he, "the occasion is good;" and then delivering them the great seal, he added, "It was the King's favour that gave me this, and it is my fault that hath taken it away: Rex dedit, culpa abstulit" - or words to that effect. So leaving him, the said four lords carried the gage they had received to Whitehall, to the King, who was overheard by some near him to say upon their delivery of it to him, "Now, by my soul, I am pained at the heart where to bestow this; for as to my lawyers, I think they be all knaves." Which it seemeth his Majesty spake at that time to prepare a way to bestow it on a clergyman, as the Marquis of Buckingham had intended; for otherwise there were at this present divers able wise lawyers, very honest and religious men, fit for the place, in whom there might easily have been found as much integrity, and less fawning and flattery than in the clergy; and, accordingly, Doctor Williams, now Dean of Westminster, and before that time made Bishop of Lincoln, was sworn Lord Keeper, and had the great seal delivered to him. On October the 9th, next ensuing, being the first day of Michaelmas Term, one Lloyd, or Floud, a Papist, being of the Inner Temple, having spoken these buse and opprobrious words following of the distressed Prince Elector Palatine and his royal lady, to wit, - "What is now become of your goodman Palsgrave, and your goodwife Palsgrave?1 - they had, I think, as much right to the kingdom of Bohemia as I have to the principality of Wales," was censured by the House of Commons, to pay a fine to the King, to be imprisoned during the King's pleasure, to ride disgracefully two several days in the open street upon a horse, with his face to the tail of it, and each day to stand in the pillory. The execution was long deferred, his fine and imprisonment remitted, and himself and his fellow Romanists began to boast that nothing should be inflicted. But at last, tho two Houses of Parliament appearing stoutly in the cause, he underwent the first day's punishment on May the 30th, being Wednesday, and the second on Friday the 1st day of June, on which Midsummer Term began. These days' actions I have added a little before the due time, that I might at once finish the relation of this business; in which the faithful zealous affection of the whole state and kingdom, in their body representative, consisting of the two Houses of Parliament, was fully expressed to that royal Princess, our King's only daughter, amidst the many scorns and oppressions of her irreconcilable and bloody enemies.

Note 1. This exclamation is given somewhat differently by Meade in the Harl. MSS. He says, "On Tuesday, Floyd, a counsellor, steward and receiver in Shropshire to the old Lord Chancellor Ellesmere and the Earl of Suffolk, a papist, and prisoner in the Fleet, was censured to ride thrice with papers, and stand in the pillory, and first at Westminster, for saying, Goodman Palsgrave. and Goody Palsgrave may or must go pack their children at their backs and beg. On Wednesday should have been the first time, but his Majesty stayed it. Yesterday the King and House met; his Majesty thanked them for the care they had of his son-in-law, daughter, and grandchildren's honour; if it were in them to censure this prisoner, the censure should be executed, otherwise there should be a punishment equivalent to that they had set down; which gave good content."

[his father] Esme Stewart 1st Duke Lennox and [his mother] Catherine Balsac Duchess Lennox were married. He a great x 5 grandson of King Edward III of England.

Royal Ancestors of Ludovic Stewart 2nd Duke Lennox 1st Duke Richmond 1574-1624

Kings Wessex: Great x 15 Grand Son of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England

Kings Gwynedd: Great x 12 Grand Son of Owain "Great" King Gwynedd

Kings Seisyllwg: Great x 18 Grand Son of Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth

Kings Powys: Great x 13 Grand Son of Maredudd ap Bleddyn King Powys

Kings England: Great x 6 Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Kings Scotland: Great x 8 Grand Son of Robert "The Bruce" I King Scotland

Kings Franks: Great x 12 Grand Son of Louis VII King Franks

Kings France: Great x 8 Grand Son of Philip "The Fair" IV King France

Ancestors of Ludovic Stewart 2nd Duke Lennox 1st Duke Richmond 1574-1624

Great x 4 Grandfather: Alan Stewart of Darnley

Great x 3 Grandfather: John Stewart 1st Earl Lennox 13 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Catherine Seton 12 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 2 Grandfather: Matthew Stewart 2nd Earl Lennox 14 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Margaret Montgomerie Countess Lennox

Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Boyd

Great x 1 Grandfather: John Stewart 3rd Earl Lennox 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: James Hamilton

Great x 3 Grandfather: James Hamilton 1st Lord Hamilton

Great x 2 Grandmother: Elizabeth Hamilton Countess Lennox 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: King James II of Scotland 2 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Mary Stewart Countess Arran 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Mary of Guelders Queen Consort Scotland 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

GrandFather: John Stewart Duke Orkney 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: James "Black Knight of Lorn" Stewart

Great x 4 Grandmother: Isabel Macdougall

Great x 2 Grandfather: John Stewart 1st Earl Atholl 2 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: John Beaufort 1st Marquess Somerset and Dorset Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Joan Beaufort Queen Consort Scotland Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Holland Duchess Clarence 2 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 1 Grandmother: Isabel or Elizabeth Stewart Countess Lennox 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Henry Sinclair 2nd Earl Orkney

Great x 3 Grandfather: William Sinclair 3rd Earl Orkney 1st Earl Caithness 6 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Egidia "Fair Maid of Nithsdale" Douglas Countess Orkney 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 2 Grandmother: Eleanor Sinclair Countess Atholl 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Marjory Sutherland Countess Orkney and Caithness

Father: Esme Stewart 1st Duke Lennox 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

GrandMother: Anne Queuille Lady Aubigny

Ludovic Stewart 2nd Duke Lennox 1st Duke Richmond 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Mother: Catherine Balsac Duchess Lennox