Robert Maxwell, 1st Earl of Nithsdale

A loyal supporter of Charles I and a prominent Catholic, he lost his titles and estates in 1645, dying on the Isle of Man in 1646.

Buckingham was the principal favourite of King James VI and I, and this family connection may have assisted Maxwell's progress.

This creation was held to be a confirmation of the earldom of Morton which had been granted to his father in 1581, but which was subsequently returned to the Douglas family.

[5] Soon after, he began work on a building project at Caerlaverock, creating a Renaissance mansion within the medieval castle walls.

Its original contents were detailed in an inventory made after the siege, including a drawing chamber for Lady Nithsdale furnished in cloth-of-silver.

[7] By 1623 he was in money trouble again, and wrote to Viscount Annand that he was angered by a false rumour that he and his wife were imminently "up-coming" to London, where her expenses and spending would be a waste, "wasturrie".

Nithsdale thought uncertainty over the Spanish match had led to a lack of credit in Scotland, writing "the miserie of this land is such.

When Charles attempted to impose an Anglican prayer book in Scotland in July 1637, riots broke out, leading to the signing of the National Covenant.