REFN: 2524AN
REFN: P2525
Gilbert was the son of Gilbert Kennedy, 2nd Earl of Cassillis and Lady Isa
bel Campbell. He married Margaret Kennedy, daughter of Alexander Kenned
y, in 1540. Gilbert became Earl in 1527 succeeded as 3rd Earl of Cassilli
s. William Kennedy, Abbot of Crossraguel was his guardian for eleven (1
1) years. He attended the University of St. Andrew's in 1527, afterwards c
ompleted his education in Paris, where he remained u ntil 1537. He w
as of excellent disposition and had promising talents. He was taken prison
er at the rout of Solway Moss by the English and was committed to Archbish
op Cranmer, and, in 1542, he became an Anglican. King Henry VIII loaded h
im many favours. He was High Treasurer of Scotland and Chief Command
er in the Army which attacked Berwick and invaded Endland in 1557. He w
as sent to France to negotiate Queen Mary's marriage with the Dauphin b
ut met mysterious death at Dieppe on 28 November 1558 from suspected poiso
ning by the French; buried at Maybole, Ayrshire, Scotland.
The Earl married Margaret, daughter of Alexander Kennedy of Bargany in 152
7.
Gilbert Kennedy, 3rd Earl of Cassillis succeeded to the title of 5th Lo
rd Kennedy [S., 1457] in August 1527. He succeeded to the title of 3rd Ea
rl of Cassillis [S., 1509] in August 1527. He was educated in St. Andre
ws University, St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland. In Paris, France, he studied u
nder the celebrated George Buchanan. On 6 February 1540/41 he had a chart
er of the Fief of Cassillis. On 24 November 1542 in Solway Moss, he was ta
ken prisoner by the English. He became a Protestant (Anglican), and went o
ver to the English Party. In February 1545 he was released. He held the of
fice of Extraordinary Lord of Session [Scotland] between 1546 and 155
8. He fought in the Battle of Pinkie on 10 September 1547, where the Sco
ts were defeated. He held the office of High Treasurer [Scotland] in 1554.