Alexander Durham facts for kids

Alexander Durham (died 1584) was an important Scottish official. He worked for the royal family in Scotland. People sometimes called him "Sandy Durhame."

Alexander had several important jobs. He was a clerk in the government's money department, called the Exchequer. He also managed the affairs of John Stewart of Coldingham. Later, he became the Master of the Wardrobe for King James VI. This meant he was in charge of the king's clothes and other personal items.

Alexander also served as an "argentier" or "argentar." This was a person who managed money for the queen. He handled funds for Mary of Guise and later for Mary, Queen of Scots. Part of this money came from "thirds of benefices." This was a special tax on church income. From 1565 to 1568, he received a lot of money for the queens' household expenses. This included money for their homes and even for horse food.

In 1564, Alexander helped pay for Queen Mary's hunting trip. This trip took place in areas like Atholl and Glen Tilt. He also helped with her journey to Inverness.

Alexander Durham died in 1584. He was buried at the Holy Rude Kirk in Stirling.

Alexander Durham, Lord Darnley's Page

Alexander Durham had a son also named Alexander. He was often called "Sandy Durham" too. This younger Alexander worked at the Scottish court. He was a page, or personal assistant, to Lord Darnley. Lord Darnley was the husband of Mary, Queen of Scots.

After Lord Darnley's death, the younger Alexander was suspected of being involved. He was even held in Edinburgh's prison, the tolbooth, for a time. However, he later worked for Regent Moray and then for King James VI. He became the "provisour" for the king's household at Stirling Castle. This meant he helped manage the supplies for the royal household. He also became a citizen of Stirling.

In 1572, Alexander bought fabric for clothes for six children. He also arranged for musicians called harpers to play for King James VI in 1579. His family later owned and rebuilt Duntarvie Castle.

Family Connections

Alexander Durham married a woman named Elizabeth Murray. They had several children.

• Alexander Durham younger: He worked for Lord Darnley. He was later suspected of being involved in Darnley's death. He was asked to move a bedcover from the Queen's room.
• James Durham of Duntarvie: He was another son. James worked for the royal household. He was a clerk who handled expenses. He was also suspected of being involved in a historical event called the Raid of Holyrood in 1591. James managed royal lands in Linlithgowshire. His wife, Margaret Hepburn, was invited to attend the coronation of Anne of Denmark in 1590.

The main part of the Durham family lived near Dundee. Another family member, Eufame Durham, was married to John Strachan. He built Claypotts Castle.