Gilbert Kennedy (c. 1520 – 15 March 1580) was a Scottish nobleman who held the title of 3rd Earl of Cassilis from 1558 until his death. He was a member of the prominent Kennedy family, which was influential in the southwest of Scotland, particularly in Ayrshire.
Family and early life
- Born to Gilbert Kennedy, 2nd Earl of Cassilis, and his wife, Margaret Douglas, daughter of the Earl of Morton.
- Succeeded his father as Earl of Cassilis in 1558.
Political and military roles
- Served as Lord High Admiral of Scotland, a senior naval office responsible for command of the royal fleet.
- Held the hereditary position of Constable of the Castles of Ayr, overseeing the defense and administration of those fortifications.
- Acted as Warden of the Marches, a role involving the management of border security between Scotland and England.
Association with Mary, Queen of Scots
Kennedy was a known supporter of Mary, Queen of Scots, during the turbulent period following her abdication in 1567. He participated in the political movements that sought to restore her to power, including involvement in the events surrounding the Battle of Langside (1568).
Marriage and issue
- Married Margaret, daughter of James Stewart, 1st Earl of Moray, in a union that linked the Kennedys with another leading Scottish family.
- Their children included:
- James Kennedy, who succeeded him as the 4th Earl of Cassilis.
- Other offspring who formed marital alliances with notable Scottish houses.
Death and succession
Gilbert Kennedy died on 15 March 1580. He was succeeded by his son, James Kennedy, who became the 4th Earl of Cassilis.
Legacy
The Kennedy family continued to play a significant role in Scottish politics and landholding in the centuries that followed, with the Earldom of Cassilis remaining an important noble title within Scotland.
