oray (Murray), James Stewart, Earl of (?1531-1570), regent of Scotland, natural son of James V by Lady Margaret Erskine. He signed the letter to Knox in March, 1556, inviting him to return from Geneva. It was mainly through his diplomacy that aid was given by Elizabeth which counterbalanced that obtained by the queen regent from France, and led to the removal of foreign troops from Scotland. After the return of Queen Mary to Scotland the administration of affairs was mainly left in Lord James’ hands; and in 1652 she conferred upon him the earldom of Moray. When Mary brought matters to a crisis by giving her hand to Darnley (1565), Moray was compelled to take refuge in England. He returned to Scotland after the murder of Rizzio and was chosen regent. On the escape of Mary from Loch Leven (1568) he continued to govern the country with prudence and skill until he was shot dead at Linlithgow. [The Home University Encyclopedia, 1946]

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