Background
John Erskine was born in 1558, though the precise date is unknown.
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John Erskine
Edit ProfileEducation
Together with King James VI of Scotland he was educated by George Buchanan.
Career
He is regarded as both the 19th earl (in the 1st creation) and the 2nd earl (in the 7th). He was concerned in the seizure of James VI in 1582 (a plot known as the raid of Ruthven). But when James escaped from his new custodians the earl fled into the west of Scotland.
Then leaving his hiding-place the Earl of March seized Stirling Castle, whereupon James marched against him, and he took refuge in England.
The Earl of March was restored to his lands and titles. Henceforward he stood high in the royal favor.
He became governor of Edinburgh Castle and was made tutor to James"s son, Prince Henry. Their daughter, Lady Mary Erskine, married William Keith, 3rd Earl Marischal.
In 1601, the earl was sent as envoy to London.
Here Elizabeth I assured him that James should be her successor, and his mission was conducted with tact and prudence. Subsequently, March and the King continued a secret correspondence with Robert Cecil. He died at Stirling on 14 December 1634.
Achievements
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After attaining his majority he was nominally the guardian of the young king, who was about seven years his junior, and who lived with him at Stirling. But he was in reality something of a puppet in the hands of the regent, James Douglas, 4th Earl of Morton. And he lost power and position when Morton was imprisoned.
Membership
After the Union of the Crowns, having joined the English privy council, the Earl of March was created Lord Cardross in 1610. He was a member of the Court of High Commission and was Lord High Treasurer of Scotland from 1615 to 1630.
