Alexander Home of North Berwick facts for kids
Alexander Home of North Berwick was an important Scottish landowner who lived in the late 1500s. He also served as the leader of Edinburgh, known as the Provost.
Working Life
His family name was sometimes spelled "Hume." Alexander was the son of Patrick Home of Polwarth and Elizabeth Hepburn. His older brother, Patrick Hume of Polwarth, was a poet and worked at the royal court.
In 1562, Alexander received the lands of North Berwick priory from his younger sister, Margaret Home. She was the last Prioress of the priory.
In 1571, an English diplomat named Thomas Randolph mentioned Alexander Home. He described Home as a friend of another envoy, Nicolas Elphinstone.
Alexander joined the court of King James VI in October 1580. He became a gentleman of the king's bedchamber. He was also sent as an envoy, or messenger, to Queen Elizabeth I in England.
At first, Queen Elizabeth did not want to meet him. This was because she was unhappy with how her own ambassador, Robert Bowes, had been treated in Edinburgh. She also did not approve of the king's favorite, Esmé Stewart, the Duke of Lennox.
Later, Alexander Home was allowed to discuss several important matters with the Queen. These included how the borders between Scotland and England were managed. They also talked about getting help for Scots who had lost things to English pirates. Another topic was handing over a border reiver (a type of raider) named Ekkie Turnbull. The Duke of Lennox was reportedly not pleased with Queen Elizabeth's answers or with Alexander Home's efforts.
In July 1592, Alexander Home was made the captain of Tantallon Castle.
Leader of Edinburgh
Alexander Home served as the Provost of Edinburgh from 1593 to 1597. The Provost was the main leader of the town's council.
In August 1592, it was said that Alexander Home and other members of his family were not in favor with Queen Anne of Denmark.
On July 24, 1593, a rebel named Francis Stewart, 5th Earl of Bothwell secretly entered Holyroodhouse. He forced his way into the King's bedroom. Alexander Home came to the palace to help. However, the King told him that everything was fine. On April 3, 1594, Home fought in a battle at Leith against the rebel Earl. He used the town's artillery in this fight.
On June 30, 1594, Alexander Home was in North Berwick. He received news that the Earl of Bothwell and his friends were in Edinburgh. Their horses were nearby at Dean Mills. Home quickly returned to Edinburgh. He captured the horses and closed the town's gates. However, he was not able to arrest the Earl himself.
In January 1595, he captured James Scott of Balwearie. Scott was working for the rebel earls. Around this time, Home and the English diplomat Robert Bowes took statements. These statements were from the crew of a ship called the Bruce. This ship belonged to George Bruce of Carnock. English privateers had taken control of the ship off the coast of Spain.
Alexander Home passed away on July 22, 1597. His will mentioned his farm and animals at the Mains of North Berwick. He wanted to be buried next to his wife, who had died before him. He had a daughter whose name is not known. She had a family with William Baillie of Lamington. Their children included the soldier William Baillie.
A letter from the king in October 1598 mentioned that Alexander Home had died. This letter was about a shipping case involving George Bruce of Carnock.
Alexander Home also had a brother named Alexander Home, who was a minister in Logie, Stirlingshire.
Properties
Alexander Home's lands at North Berwick included several areas. These were rabbit warrens and links (sandy coastal land). He also owned fishing rights and land at Nungate by the Clarty Burn. Other properties included the Law Meadow and Kinkeith mill. He also owned land at Benestoun and a granary at the Overmill of Linton on the River Tyne.
