Alexander Ramsay of Dalhousie

Alexander Ramsay of Dalhousie

Sir Alexander Ramsay (died 1342) was a Scottish patriot known for his warfare prowess and the capture of Roxburgh Castle in 1342.

Life

Alexander Ramsay was the eldest of two sons born to Sir William Ramsay. Alexander's brother was Sir William Ramsay of Inverieth.

Military career

Sir Alexander became Warden of the Middle Marshes in command of Lothian men, and one of the Regent's chief commanders at Borough Muir, where England's ally the Flemish Army was defeated. He was present at the capture of Leuchars Castle, at St Andrews in 1335, and in June of 1338 he relieved Dunbar Castle and assisted the Countess of Dunbar in her struggle to maintain the stronghold against the English.

His tragic story begins when he and his party of men recaptured Roxburgh Castle from the English in 1342. The titular constable of the Castle, Sir William Douglas, had several times tried unsuccessfully to retake it. For his brave and heroic feat, Sir Alexander was appointed constable of Roxburgh and Sheriff of Teviotdale. Sir William Douglas was so outraged by the appointments, that he sought revenge by capturing Sir Alexander and imprisoning him in the dungeon of Hermitage Castle where he was left to starve. Legend has it that he survived for seventeen days by eating small quantities of grain that fell through the cracks in the floor of the castle granary above the dungeon. His brother, Sir William Ramsay of Inverleith succeeded Sir Alexander at Dalhousie in 1342 and was famous for his raid around Norham Castle at the battle of Nesbitt Moor in 1355.

ee also

*Clan Ramsay

External links

* [http://www.eddieramsay.com/1066.htm The History of Clan Ramsay: 1066] (Eddie Ramsay) contains more information on Sir Alexander Ramsay.


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Нужна курсовая?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Alexander Ramsay — may refer to:* Sir Alexander Ramsay, 5th Baronet, MP for Kincardineshire 1713 1715 * Sir Alexander Ramsay, 2nd Baronet, MP for Kincardineshire 1820 1826 * Sir Alexander Ramsay, 3rd Baronet, Liberal MP for Rochdale 1857 1859 * Sir Alexander Ramsay …   Wikipedia

  • Alexander Ramsay of Mar — Captain Alexander Arthur Alfonso David Maule Ramsay of Mar (21 December 1919 ndash;20 December 2000) was the only child of HRH Princess Patricia of Connaught, who renounced her royal title and style when she married then Captain the Hon.… …   Wikipedia

  • Ramsay — may refer to:Places*Ramsay, Louisiana, United States of America *Ramsay, Michigan, United States of America *Ramsay, Montana, United States of America *Electoral district of Ramsay, a state electoral district in South Australia. *Ramsay, Calgary …   Wikipedia

  • Dalhousie Castle — West front of Dalhousie Castle Dalhousie Castle is a castle in Midlothian, Scotland. Dalhousie Castle is situated near the town of Bonnyrigg, 8 miles (13 km) south of Edinburgh. The castle was the seat of the Earls of Dalhousie, the chieftains of …   Wikipedia

  • Alexander Robert Maule Ramsay — Admiral the Honourable Sir Alexander Robert Maule Ramsay GCVO KCB DSO, (29 May 1881 ndash; 8 October 1972) was a member of the British Royal Family, he was also a British naval officer who was the husband of Princess Patricia of Connaught, the… …   Wikipedia

  • Clan Ramsay — Crest badge …   Wikipedia

  • Dalhousie University — Motto Latin: Ora et Labora Motto in English Pray and work Established 1818 …   Wikipedia

  • Earl of Dalhousie — James Broun Ramsay, 1st Marquess of Dalhousie Earl of Dalhousie, in the County of Midlothian, is a title in the Peerage of Scotland, held by the Chief of Clan Ramsay. Contents 1 …   Wikipedia

  • Elizabeth Ramsay of Mar — The Honourable Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Ramsay of Mar (15 April 1963) was the third child and third daughter of Captain the Hon. Alexander Ramsay of Mar, the only son of HRH Princess Patricia of Connaught, who renounced her royal title and style… …   Wikipedia

  • John Ramsay, 13th Earl of Dalhousie — John William Ramsay, 13th Earl of Dalhousie KT, (1847 1887) was a Scottish politician.Son of George Ramsay, 12th Earl, he served in the Royal Navy from 1861 to 1879 when he retired to study and enter political life. He matriculated at Balliol… …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”