The Jardines and the Douglases- another link in the chain

[William Douglas]

An old friend died recently, and as I was researching our family connections, as I do, I came across the following story.

A Legacy of Loyalty and Honor: The Jardine Family's Complex History

The Jardine family, hailing from the picturesque town of Applegarthtown in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, has a rich and complex history that spans centuries. At the heart of this tale is Alexander Jardine of Applegirth, a Scottish landowner and soldier who played a pivotal role in the country's tumultuous 16th century politics.

As a nephew of John Jardine of Applegirth, Alexander was destined for greatness. He rose through the ranks to become Master of Artillery for James V of Scotland, a position that required strategic thinking and bravery. In 1515, Alexander found himself in the midst of a royal drama when Margaret Tudor, sister of Henry VIII, left Linlithgow Palace and entrusted a coffer containing her jewels to Alexander's care, which he deposited in Tantallon Castle.

This trust was short-lived, as Alexander became embroiled in the tumultuous politics of the time. In 1528, he led the siege of Tantallon Castle, a fortress held by the powerful Douglas family against the king. As ordered, Alexander consulted with the gunners Robert Borthwick and John Drummond to determine the artillery required to breach the castle walls. This involved setting up tents and timber to protect the guns from enemy fire, a testament to Alexander's innovative thinking and military prowess.

Alexander's marriage to Elizabeth Maxwell was a union that bore fruit, with their children going on to make significant contributions to the family's legacy. Their son, John Jardine of Applegirth, married the beautiful Elizabeth Douglas, forging a bond between the two families that would last for generations.

A younger generation of Jardines also made their mark on history. A "Sanders Jardine," possibly a cousin or nephew of Alexander, rose to prominence as captain of Tantallon Castle. During the war known as the Rough Wooing, in April 1544, Sanders took a dramatic stance by swearing to deliver the castle to the English, as instructed by the Master of Morton. This decision was a bold move, especially given the animosity between the Jardines and the Douglases, the family that held Tantallon Castle.

This complex tapestry of family relationships and alliances speaks to the Jardine family's reputation for loyalty and honor. Through their various struggles and triumphs, they have left an indelible mark on Scotland's history, cementing their place as one of the country's most enduring and respected families.

Notes:
•Tantallon Castle was a Red Douglas stronghold
•The Master of Morton was a Black Douglas

Research:
• Who was Elizabeth Douglas? 
• Sir Alexander Jardine, 1st of Applegirth married Margaret Douglas, daughter of James Douglas, 2nd Earl of Queensberry.