born с 1528, probably Lethington, East Lothian, Scot.
died June 9?, 1573, Leith, Midlothian
Scottish statesman.
As secretary to Mary, Queen of Scots (1560), he sought to unite the realms of England and Scotland by securing Mary recognition as the successor to Elizabeth I . With that aim, he supported the murders of Darnley , and he joined a coalition of Protestant and Catholic nobles. After Mary fled to England in 1568, Maitland tried to restore her to power and broke with the supporters of the infant King James VI (later {{link=James">James I ). In the ensuing civil war, he held Edinburgh Castle until forced to surrender; he died in prison.