On January 23, 1570, the town of Linlithgow, Scotland, became the setting for a world-changing act. James Stewart, Earl of Moray and Regent of Scotland, was assassinated by a single shot from a firearm the first known political assassination in history involving a gun. His sudden death marked a dramatic shift in both Scottish politics and the way political violence would unfold in the centuries to come.
Who Was James Stewart?
James Stewart was no ordinary noble. As the illegitimate half-brother of Mary, Queen of Scots, he was a central figure in Scotland’s religious and political struggles during the 16th century. When Mary was forced to abdicate in 1567, Stewart was appointed Regent of Scotland, ruling in the name of her infant son, James VI (later James I of England).
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The 1570 Assassination of James Stewart, Earl of Moray
Stewart’s regency was defined by his efforts to stabilize the kingdom and solidify Protestant control during the Scottish Reformation. His actions, while effective, made him a target for those who remained loyal to Queen Mary and the Catholic cause.
The Man Behind the Gun: James Hamilton of Bothwellhaugh
Among the many who opposed Stewart’s rule was James Hamilton of Bothwellhaugh, a Marian supporter with deep personal grievances. Hamilton had lost his family’s estate under Stewart’s regency, and his wife was reportedly mistreated and forcibly evicted. These events fueled his desire for revenge, and he soon became part of a larger political network determined to see Stewart eliminated.
Hamilton carefully orchestrated the assassination. He rented a room in a house along the main road in Linlithgow, overlooking the route Stewart would take during a formal procession. From an upstairs window, he constructed a wooden platform to steady his aim. As Stewart rode past on horseback, Hamilton fired a single shot from a carbine, striking Stewart in the abdomen.
A Nation Shaken: The Aftermath of the Assassination
The regent died from his wounds shortly afterward. The killing shocked Scotland and sent ripples across Europe. It wasn’t just the death of a national leader it was the first documented instance of a political assassination by firearm, signaling a new and more dangerous era in global politics.
A massive manhunt followed, but Hamilton successfully escaped. With the help of nobles still loyal to Mary, Queen of Scots, he vanished into the countryside. Despite the high-profile nature of the crime, he was never apprehended.
The political consequences were swift and severe. Without Stewart’s steady leadership, Scotland plunged deeper into civil conflict. His funeral was held at St. Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh, where reformer John Knox delivered a eulogy honoring the fallen regent.
Why This Event Still Matters Today
The assassination of James Stewart is more than just a historical footnote. It represents a pivotal shift in the way political power was challenged. The use of a firearm a relatively new weapon at the time highlighted how technology was changing not just warfare, but also the vulnerability of public figures.
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History Short: Who was the First National Leader Assassinated by Firearm?
In modern times, political assassinations have sadly become more common, but Stewart’s death stands out as the first time a gun was used to take down a nation’s leader. It’s a haunting reminder of how political, personal, and religious motivations can collide with deadly consequences.
Conclusion
The story of James Stewart’s assassination combines politics, religion, personal revenge, and innovation in weaponry. It shaped the trajectory of Scottish history and opened a new chapter in the history of political violence. Over 450 years later, it still stands as a sobering example of how power, resentment, and technology can converge in a single moment that alters the course of a nation.
