View source for Patrick Ruthven, 1st Earl of Forth

== Early Life ==
Patrick Ruthven was born in Scotland in the year 1573, the son of [[William Ruthven, 1st Earl of Gowrie|William Ruthven]], and Dorothea Stewart. His father was involved in the [[Ruthven Raid|Ruthven Raid]], a political conspiracy in Scotland, which led to his execution and the forfeiture of his titles and estates. Patrick, therefore, grew up in a politically turbulent environment, which would later shape his military and political career.

== Military Career ==
Patrick Ruthven began his military career in the [[Swedish Army|Swedish service]], under King [[Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden|Gustavus Adolphus]]. He quickly rose through the ranks due to his strategic skills and leadership abilities. He participated in several significant battles, including the [[Battle of Breitenfeld (1631)|Battle of Breitenfeld]] and the [[Battle of Lützen (1632)|Battle of Lützen]], where King Gustavus Adolphus was killed.

[[Image:Detail-62966.jpg|thumb|center|A portrait of Patrick Ruthven, 1st Earl of Forth in his military uniform.|class=only_on_mobile]]
[[Image:Detail-62967.jpg|thumb|center|A portrait of Patrick Ruthven, 1st Earl of Forth in his military uniform.|class=only_on_desktop]]

== Return to Scotland ==
After the death of Gustavus Adolphus, Ruthven returned to Scotland in 1638. He was welcomed by King [[Charles I of England|Charles I]], who restored his father's forfeited titles and estates. Ruthven was created 1st Earl of Forth and became a key figure in the [[Bishops' Wars|Bishops' Wars]], a series of conflicts between the monarchy and the Presbyterian Covenanters in Scotland.

== Role in the English Civil War ==
During the [[English Civil War|English Civil War]], Ruthven remained loyal to King Charles I. He served as the commander of the royalist forces in Scotland and played a crucial role in the [[Battle of Edgehill|Battle of Edgehill]] and the [[Battle of Newbury (1643)|First Battle of Newbury]]. His strategic skills and leadership were instrumental in the royalist's initial successes.

== Later Life and Death ==
Ruthven was appointed as the [[Lord High Treasurer of Scotland|Lord High Treasurer]] in 1644. However, his health began to decline, and he retired from public life in 1645. He died in 1651, leaving behind a significant legacy in Scottish and English history.

== Legacy ==
Patrick Ruthven, 1st Earl of Forth, is remembered for his military prowess and his loyalty to the monarchy. His strategic skills and leadership abilities were instrumental in several key battles during the Bishops' Wars and the English Civil War. His life and career offer a unique insight into the political and military history of Scotland and England during a period of significant upheaval and change.

== See Also ==
* [[William Ruthven, 1st Earl of Gowrie]]
* [[Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden]]
* [[Charles I of England]]
* [[Bishops' Wars]]
* [[English Civil War]]

[[Category:Scottish nobility]]
[[Category:English Civil War]]
[[Category:17th-century Scottish people]]