Sir George Douglas of Helenhill, Kt.

I couldn't find any sources for his life years of 1544-1625

Biographical Summary

George of Helenhill. He had a charter from James, Commendator of St. Andrews and Pittenweem, 25 April 1565, of an annual pension of 500 merks from the lands of these houses. As George Douglas of Helenhill he witnessed a charter of James, Commendator of Melrose, 19 June 1587, but he was also styled of Rumgally. He was knighted before 3 May 1588, and had a charter from his brother William of the lands of Aschescheillis, co. Peebles, in January 1588-89." During the captivity of Queen Mary in his father's castle George Douglas fell a victim to her charms, and so conspicuous was his admiration for her, that he was removed from that residence. He did not fail her, however, in her hour of need : it was he who, along with Lord Seton, met her on the mainland after her escape, and rode with her to Niddry and then to Hamilton. He was at the battle of Langside, and accompanied the Queen in her flight to England.

He married, first, after 1575, Jonet, daughter of John Lindsay of Dowhill and relict of Andrew Lundie of Balgony, and of Sir William Scott of Balwearie ; and secondly, after 1593, Margaret Durie, relict of William Scott of Abbotshall. He had issue one daughter,

• Elizabeth, married to George Ramsay, afterwards Lord Ramsay of Dalhousie.

Sir George had also a natural son Robert, afterwards Robert Douglas of Clattie. Popular rumour said that he was the son of Sir George by Queen Mary, but no proof has ever been adduced for the statement. He was the father of Robert Douglas, the famous Presbyterian divine.

SOURCE: The Scots peerage, Vol. VI, page 370