Maitland William

Maitland, William (1525-73), son of Sir Richard, and better known as Lethington from the name of his estate. He was made Secretary of State by Mary of Guise, but his views were too much in favour of the reformers to enable him to retain the office. He entered into controversy with John Knox, and was sent to announce to Queen Elizabeth the marriage of the Queen of Scotland with Darnley. He was concerned in the murder of Rizzio and in that of Darnley, but was one of those who accused the queen of being privy to the latter. He fought against the queen at Langside, but afterwards espoused her cause, and, after being arrested by Murray for compassing the king's death, he helped to hold Edinburgh for her, together with Kirkcaldy of Grange. Upon the surrender the latter was executed, and Lethington died (it is thought by his own hand) in prison.