Sir William Kirkcaldy of Grange, Executed

Sir William Kirkcaldy of Grange (c. 1520 –3 August 1573) was a Scottish politician and soldier who fought for the Scottish Reformation but ended his career holding Edinburgh castle on behalf of Mary, Queen of Scots and was hanged at the conclusion of a long siege.

Sir William Kirkcaldy of Grange, executed, after defending Edinburgh Castle on behalf of Mary Queen of Scots from May 1568 to May 1573.

Strenuous efforts were made to save Kirkcaldy from the vengeance of his enemies, but they were unavailing; Knox had prophesied that he would be hanged, and he was hanged on 3 August 1573