Andrew Beaton facts for kids
Andrew Beaton (who passed away in 1577) was a Scottish courtier. This means he was an important person who served at a royal court. He worked for Mary, Queen of Scots, as her Master of the Household while she was in England. His job was to manage her home and servants.
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Andrew Beaton: A Royal Helper
His Family Connections
Andrew Beaton was the son of James Beaton of Balfarg and Helen Melville. He had a brother named James Beaton. This brother was a very important church leader, an Archbishop of Glasgow. He became a strong supporter of Mary, Queen of Scots, especially after she was no longer queen in Scotland.
Working for the Queen
Andrew Beaton played a key role in helping Mary, Queen of Scots. He often carried important messages for her.
Important Messages
In 1565, Andrew Beaton delivered letters from the French King Charles IX of France and his mother, Catherine de' Medici, to Mary, Queen of Scots, and her husband, Lord Darnley. He also took a letter from Mary to Elizabeth I, the Queen of England.
When Andrew returned, Mary tried to make people feel more confident in her rule. She said that Queen Elizabeth would not get involved in disagreements between Mary and her Scottish lords. During a time of conflict known as the Chaseabout Raid, Mary sent Andrew Beaton to Queen Elizabeth I and then back to France.
Managing the Household
In 1572, Andrew Beaton took over a very important job. He became the Master of Mary's Household in England, just like his brother John Beaton before him. In this role, he was in charge of all her servants and managed all the money spent on her household.
A Personal Wish
Andrew Beaton hoped to marry Mary Seton. She was one of the queen's close friends and companions. However, Mary Seton had promised not to marry. So, Andrew traveled to get special permission for them to marry.
Mary, Queen of Scots, wrote to him from Sheffield Castle on August 22, 1577. Her letter included news about politics and instructions for him. She also reminded him to buy some new and interesting things from the shops in Paris.
Meeting the English Queen
Andrew Beaton also had a meeting with Elizabeth I in London. This shows how important he was in communicating between the two queens.
He passed away in France in 1577.
His Successor
After Andrew Beaton's death, Andrew Melville of Garvock took over his role as Master of the Queen's Household. Andrew Melville later married Jane Kennedy.
