Andrew Aytoun facts for kids
Andrew Aytoun was a Scottish soldier and engineer who lived a long time ago. He was also the captain of Stirling Castle.
He worked for James IV of Scotland, who was king from 1488 until 1513. Andrew Aytoun was an important person in the king's household. He even bought special black clothes from "Rissilis" (which might be Lille).
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Andrew Aytoun's Career
Andrew Aytoun had many important jobs for the king.
Royal Administrator
He was in charge of the king's lands in Stirlingshire and Strathearn. In February 1501, he became the Baillie of Stirlingshire. This meant he helped manage the area. He also became the Keeper of Stirling Castle. This was a very important role. He was also given some land near Inveralloun and Tillicoultry.
Building Stirling Castle
From 1497 to 1508, Andrew Aytoun was the master of building work at Stirling Castle. He received a lot of money for this work. For example, he got £1,180 Scots in March 1505. He also got money for moving timber. The "King's Old Building" at the castle was finished by another builder, Walter Merlioun. The main gate was also built around this time. Master masons John Lockhart and John Yorkstone worked on it.
In July 1497, Andrew Aytoun gave money to Robert Ker. Robert Ker was in charge of the king's cannons. He was moving a huge cannon called Mons Meg to Norham Castle. Aytoun might have met them near Borthwick Castle.
Caring for the Royal Family
In September 1502, Andrew Aytoun paid for the king's children to stay at Stirling. These were the children of King James IV and Janet Kennedy. Their nurses and other helpers were also there. The king had gone on a trip without them. Aytoun also paid for a doctor and for washing the children's clothes. He even paid the women who rocked their cradles.
The royal children stayed at Stirling again in September 1503. This time, Margaret Tudor, the queen, came from Linlithgow Palace. Aytoun made sure they had everything they needed. He got a dairy cow and fed the swans. He also put trout and pike in the fish-ponds. He even supplied fresh rushes for the floors of the bedrooms. In October 1503, Aytoun helped Queen Margaret move back to Linlithgow.
In July 1505, King James IV gave Aytoun money to care for a sick man at the castle.
Other Royal Duties
In May 1506, Andrew Aytoun went to Dunblane to buy horses for carts. In June, he bought special taffeta cloth for the king's hat. In August 1506, he paid the king's painter. He also sent some "Irish" prisoners from Stirling to Edinburgh. These prisoners were followers of the Lord of the Isles.
Building a Dock at Airth
In September 1506, Andrew Aytoun was paid for building a dock. This dock was for building ships at the Pool of Airth. Airth is on the River Forth. King James IV often visited this dock.
Alchemy at Stirling Castle
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In November 1506, Aytoun paid the king's painter again. He also gave money to an alchemist named Caldwell. Caldwell was working at Stirling Castle. He had a furnace and was trying to make something called the "fifth element" or "quinta essentia." This was part of a process called alchemy. Aytoun provided coal and charcoal for Caldwell's furnace. He also supplied pots, alum, salt, and eggs for the project.
Archaeologists found a burnt area at the castle. It has heat-cracked tiles. People think this might be where Caldwell's workshop was.
Later Life of Andrew Aytoun
In August 1507, Aytoun was the keeper of Donald of the Isles. Donald was a prisoner at Stirling Castle. Aytoun spent money on clothes for him.
King James IV gave Andrew Aytoun some land in Fife in 1507. This was a reward for his good service.
In January 1508, King James IV gave Aytoun's jobs at Stirling Castle to Alexander Elphinstone.
Andrew Aytoun died in September 1547.
Marriage and Family
Andrew Aytoun married Isobel Kencragie. They had several children, including:
- John Aytoun
- Robert Aytoun of Inchdairnie
- Andrew Aytoun of Kinaldie, whose son was the famous poet Robert Aytoun.
