William Ruthven, 1st Lord Ruthven (died 1513) was a Scottish nobleman and founder of the noble lines of the Ruthven family.
William Ruthven of Ruthven (pronounced 'Ryven') was created Lord Ruthven by summons at the Parliament of Scotland in February 1488. James III of Scotland made him a Lord of Parliament to gain his support against his rebels, who intended to make his son James, Duke of Rothesay King. The King left Edinburgh in March 1488, and joined Ruthven at Perth, and they travelled to Aberdeen. The first battle with the Prince's army was near Blackness Castle. The King was forced to negotiate with his rebels, and handed over Ruthven as a hostage.
Ruthven may have chosen as a hostage because he was the rival of a rebel, Lord Oliphant, for the office of Sherriff of Perth. He remained a prisoner until the end of the conflict after the death of James III at the Battle of Sauchieburn, and was made to pay a ransom of £1000.[1]
He was amongst the great many of the nobility of Scotland killed at the Battle of Flodden in 1513.
| Preceded by New Creation |
Lord Ruthven 1488–1528 |
Succeeded by William Ruthven |