Hepburn's of Bothwell Genealogy

The second Earl of of Bothwell, Adam Hepburn, was killed at Flodden Field in 1513. According to an ancient English poet, he made a furious attempt to retrieve the day. this is described in the poem of Flodden Field, as follows:

" Then on the Scottish part right proud, The earl of Bothwell then outbrast, And stepping forth with stomach good Into the enemies throng he thrast, And Bothwell! Bothwell! cried bold To cause his soldiers to ensue. But then he cought a welcome - cold The Englishmen straight down him threw "

Patrick Hepburn, son of Adam Hepburn, was only about a years old when he became the third Earl. When he grew to manhood, he seems to have been very active in affairs of state, as he was bannished from Scotland three times, but recalled each time. He died in 1556.

James Hepburn, forth Earl, was about 20 years old when he became Earl. He has generally been regarded as the chief cause of the troubles of Mary, Queen of Scots. Historians generally agree that he was the instigator of the plot to assassinate Lord Darnley, husband of the Queen, altho he was tried and acquited of the charge, His ascendancy was of short duration. A coalition of the Nobles opposed to bothwell was formed. queen Mary was captured and forced to abdicate in favor of her infant son, who became James VI.