Alexander Lauder of Blyth facts for kids

Sir Alexander Lauder of Blyth, Knt. (died 9 September 1513) was a very important person in Edinburgh, Scotland. He was the Provost of Edinburgh (like a mayor) for most of the years between 1500 and 1513. He also served as a representative in the Scottish Parliament from 1504 to 1506. Sir Alexander was also an auditor for the King's money. He was quite friendly with King James IV, even playing cards with him and lending him money sometimes. Sir Alexander led the men of Edinburgh to join the King's army at the famous Battle of Flodden, where he sadly died.

His Family Background

Sir Alexander Lauder was the second son in a family of at least four boys. His father was Sir Alexander Lauder of Haltoun, who passed away in July 1507. Official financial records, called the Exchequer Rolls, show that Alexander Lauder, who was a citizen of Edinburgh, and his older brother, Sir George Lauder, were both stewards (managers) for the area of Kirkcudbrightshire.

Becoming a Leader in Edinburgh

On January 7, 1499, Alexander Lauder, as a citizen of Edinburgh, was a witness to an important official document. This document was about Patrick Hepburn, 1st Earl of Bothwell giving up some rights. Other important people like the Archbishop of Glasgow were also there.

In January 1500, Alexander Lauder, described as the son of Sir Alexander Lauder of Hatton, received a special letter from the King. This letter, sealed with the Privy Seal of Scotland, gave him the right to collect taxes on goods in Edinburgh for his whole life. These goods included wool, animal skins, and cloth.

Alexander Lauder became the Provost of Edinburgh in April 1500 and held the position until October 1501. He then served as Provost again from October 1502 to 1504, and from 1505 until 1513. He was also a 'Justice-Depute' (like a judge's assistant) in 1508 and 1512, while still being Provost. When Sir Alexander left to fight at Flodden in August 1513, George Touris took over as temporary Provost.

Sir Alexander Lauder and another important citizen, William Todrik, helped pay for the repairs and improvements of Holyrood Palace. This was done before the wedding of King James IV of Scotland and Margaret Tudor in 1503.

In May 1505, Alexander Lauder returned all the goods he was looking after for an Italian merchant named Jerome Frescobaldi. This happened during a meeting with the Edinburgh council.

Owning Land and Property

Sir Alexander Lauder gained a lot of land during his life. In 1506, he received an official document, sealed with the Great Seal of Scotland, which confirmed he owned lands in Norton, Brownisfield, and Redheuchis.

In September 1508, King James IV gave Sir Alexander Lauder even more land. These lands, including Thirlstane Manys, Blyth, and Simprin, had belonged to William Maitland. However, they had been without an owner for over thirty years because the fees hadn't been paid. The King gave these lands to Sir Alexander because of his good service. After this, Sir Alexander started using the name "of Blyth" to show he owned the lands of Blyth.

Becoming a Knight and Judge's Assistant

Alexander Lauder of Blyth, who was the Provost of Edinburgh, was made a knight before October 11, 1510. On that date, he was called "Sir Alexander Lauder" and he also helped set up a special fund for a priest in St. Giles' Cathedral. He was also recorded as an auditor for the King's money in 1512.

Records show that "Sir Alexander Lauder of Blyth, knight, Provost of Edinburgh and 'Justiciarius deputatis'" (a judge's assistant) signed a decision at a murder trial in September 1512.

Marriage and His Final Battle

Sir Alexander married Janet Paterson before December 1506. Janet was the daughter of John Paterson, a citizen of Edinburgh, and she inherited his property. Janet passed away sometime between 1533 and October 1534.

Official records, the Exchequer Rolls, state that Sir Alexander Lauder, the Provost of Edinburgh, was "slain at Flodden." Because he was in charge of collecting taxes for Edinburgh, his widow, Janet Paterson, was given the special honor of signing off the city's tax reports for 1513–1514, along with Margaret Crichton, the widow of another tax collector.