Andrew Balfour of Montquhanie facts for kids
Andrew Balfour of Montquhanie (died 1615) was an important Scottish landowner who lived a long time ago. He was known for his lands in Fife, Scotland and the Orkney Islands. His family had interesting connections, even with Mary, Queen of Scots.
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About Andrew Balfour
Andrew Balfour was the son of Michael Balfour of Montquhanie and Mariota Adamson. Mariota's father was Patrick Adamson, who was the Archbishop of St Andrews.
Family Connections and Royal Jewels
Andrew's father, Michael Balfour, had a unique connection to Mary, Queen of Scots. He once held some of her valuable jewels as a promise for a loan he gave to William Kirkcaldy of Grange. After a long siege of Edinburgh Castle in 1573, Michael Balfour gave these jewels, which included nine large rubies and fourteen large pearls, to an English commander.
His Homes and Lands
Andrew Balfour's main home was at Montquhanie, also spelled Montquhany, in a place called Kilmany in Fife, Scotland. This was not far from Craill. His family also owned a house in St Andrews.
Andrew also received lands in the Orkney Islands from his father. These lands were held under the Earl of Orkney, who was like a powerful landlord. Before his father passed away, Andrew was sometimes called Andrew Balfour of Strathure.
Becoming a Knight
Andrew Balfour was given the special title of "knight" in August 1594. This happened at Stirling Castle during a big celebration for the baptism of Prince Henry, who was the son of King James VI.
Noltland Castle
In 1588, Andrew's father inherited Noltland Castle and its surrounding lands. This castle was originally built by Gilbert Balfour. In 1590, Andrew's father gave this property to Andrew.
Andrew Balfour also added his own mark to Montquhanie Castle. In 1597, he put a stone there with his initials "AB" and the date.
Disputes in Orkney
In 1597, while his father was still alive, Andrew Balfour was in charge of the family's lands on the Orkney islands of Westray and Faray. He had some problems with Patrick Stewart, 2nd Earl of Orkney.
Andrew complained to the Privy Council of Scotland that the Earl was bothering his tenants on Westray. The Earl told Andrew's tenants not to listen to Andrew's rules or courts. The Earl also made Andrew's father, Michael Balfour, pay a fine and then took his belongings from the Mains of Westray at Noltland.
The Balfours had a special right called "wrack and wraith." This meant they could claim any whales that washed up on the coast. The Earl of Orkney took 29 beached whales, which Andrew Balfour believed belonged to him. These whales were worth a lot of money at the time.
In November 1597, the Earl's men took all the grain from the farms on Westray and Papa Westray. The next spring, they took the animals from Noltland. In November 1598, the Earl's brother, William Stewart, even surrounded Michael Balfour in a house on Westray.
Andrew Balfour passed away in 1615.
Marriage
Andrew Balfour was married to Margaret or Mary Melville. She was the daughter of James Melville of Halhill and Christian Boswell. Christian's father was David Boswell of Balmuto.
See Also
