He and his father had both been involved in the murder of David Rizzio in 1566; and both took an active part on the side of the Kirk in the constant intrigues and factions among the Scottish nobility of the period. William had been the custodian of Mary, Queen of Scots, during her imprisonment in Lochleven Castle, where, according to the queen, he had pestered her with amorous attentions.[3]
On 22 or 23 August 1582, Ruthven devised and undertook the Raid of Ruthven, a successful plot to seize the 15-year-old King James during a visit to his castle near Perth, now known as Huntingtower Castle.[5] James was held captive until his escape at St Andrews on 27 June 1583.[6] Ruthven remained at the head of the government for several months during the king's detention.[3]
Ruthven was arrested at his house in Dundee by Colonel William Stewart. Stewart surrounded the house with 100 soldiers from 3 o'clock in the morning to 3' o'clock in the afternoon before Ruthven surrendered, when the town of Dundee received an order from James VI to take arms against him. Ruthven was shipped to Leith and brought to Holyrood Palace.[8] He was taken to Kinneil House and then to Stirling Castle.[9] His trial was held in Mar's Wark or "Lady Mar's house" at Stirling. The judges included John Graham, Lord Hallyards[10] The charges, recorded by Roger Aston, included "witchcraft in conferring with sorcerers".[11]
He was beheaded at Stirling on 3 May 1584 because of his leading involvement in the Raid of Ruthven and all of his honours were forfeited.
Following his execution, his lands were divided among the king's favourites,[12] but the honours were restored to his son James in 1586.[3]
His widow, Dorothea Stewart came to the opening of Parliament on 22 August 1584 and kneeled on the Royal Mile crying to the king for grace for her children. James Stewart, Earl of Arran pushed her away, and she fainted and was left on the street.[13]
A letter produced in the posthumous trialofRobert Logan of Restalrig in 1609 referred to William Ruthven as Greysteil, a character in a popular poem of his time noted for his strength and sinister powers, enthralled to a powerful woman.[14]
Another source, Paterson's History of the Counties of Ayr and Wigton lists another daughter named Elizabeth, explicitly called "Elizabeth (Not Isabel)":
Elizabeth Ruthven (died 1617), second wife of Sir Hugh Campbell of Loudon (died 1622).[20]
There were plans in 1591 for Dorothea Stewart, Countess of Gowrie to marry William Keith of Delny but James VI forbade it.[21]
John and Alexander Ruthven were killed on 5 August 1600 as the main characters in The Gowrie Conspiracy, a failed attempt to kidnap or murder James VI.