Alexander Ruthven

Alexander Ruthven (12 January 1580-5 August 1600), was a Scottish nobleman. He is most notable for his participation in the Gowrie conspiracy of 1600.

Early life

Ruthven was born in Perth, the third son of William Ruthven, 1st Earl of Gowrie, and his wife Dorothea Stewart. [http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/24369 Dictionary of National Biography, accessed 20 Aug 2007] ] He was educated at Perth grammar school, and later at the University of Edinburgh.

Gowrie conspiracy

Ruthven was, with his brother John Ruthven, responsible for an attempt to kidnap or murder King James in August, 1600. He lured the king to Gowrie House, where he attempted to confine him in a corner turret while his brother distracted members of the king's retinue. However, the king was able to call for help, and both Alexander and John Ruthven were killed by members of the king's party. While opponents of the king were of the belief that James had fabricated the conspiracy to cover his eradication of the Ruthven family, most modern scholarship agrees that the brothers concocted a plot to kidnap the monarch.

Aftermath

Following his death, Alexander was condemned for treason, and hung, drawn and quartered in Edinburgh on 17 November 1600. His head remained exposed in that city, while his arms and legs were taken to Perth.

References

* [http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/24369 Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, online edition, accessed 20 Aug 2007]