Andrew Halyburton facts for kids
Andrew Halyburton or Haliburton (before 1490 – 1507) was an important Scottish merchant. He worked in Flanders, a region in modern-day Belgium, and helped manage Scotland's trade with other countries.
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Scotland's Trade Manager in Flanders
Andrew Halyburton was based in Middelburg, a town in Flanders. His special job was called 'Conservator of the Scottish Staple' or 'Conservator of the Scottish privileges in the Low Countries.' This meant he was like a consul for Scotland, looking after Scottish traders and their businesses. He made sure Scottish imports (goods coming in) and exports (goods going out) ran smoothly with Flanders.
King James IV of Scotland thought highly of Andrew. He called him "our merchant" and "the King's familiar servant." The King also reminded Middelburg's leaders that Andrew had the power to deal with Scottish trade problems. Andrew could even speak for Scottish sailors and captains in their courts.
Andrew kept a detailed record book, or ledger, of his business. It showed how he managed money and goods for Scottish clients. These clients often sent him wool or animal skins to sell in Flanders. Andrew's ledger also showed the exchange rates for the gold and silver coins used in international trade. Some of the goods were even carried on ships belonging to the famous Scottish sailor, Andrew Barton.
In one letter, Andrew advised a client that animal hides would sell very well around Easter 1502. He wrote that the market was tough, but hides were in high demand.
Andrew also handled money for important people like James Stewart, Duke of Ross, who was also an Archbishop of St Andrews. For example, he arranged for money to be sent to Bruges and then to Rome. This money was used to buy special documents called Papal Bulls from the Pope. Andrew even ordered two carved stone tomb sculptures for the Duke, which he called 'throwchts.' He sent these large stones to Veere on a barge called a Schout, which then shipped them to Scotland.
Andrew Halyburton also worked with an Italian merchant named Jerome Frescobaldi. Frescobaldi supplied fancy goods to the Royal Court of Scotland.
In Edinburgh, a lawyer named Patrick Paniter helped Andrew. He made sure rent was paid for Andrew's house on the Royal Mile in May 1506. Andrew was known as an 'agent in Flanders.' Andrew Halyburton died in 1507. King James IV quickly appointed John Francis to take over his important role.
Artists and Art Supplies
Andrew Halyburton also helped connect Scotland with the art world in Flanders. In June 1497, he bought painting materials in Antwerp for an Edinburgh merchant named Thomas Cant. Thomas Cant often sold cloth, clothes, and hats to the Scottish royal family.
The art supplies Andrew bought included shiny gold and silver leaf, bright red vermilion, red lead, and white lead. These materials were used to create beautiful artworks.
In September 1505, Andrew hired a Flemish painter named 'Piers' to come to Scotland and work for King James IV. Piers might have been Peerken Bovelant, who was an apprentice to a famous painter named Goswijn van der Weyden. Piers helped paint costumes and symbols for royal tournaments. He also likely painted portraits for the King's court.
Family and Art Connections
Andrew Halyburton married Cornelia Bening. Her father, Sanders Bening, was a well-known Flemish painter. Cornelia's family had many artists. Her aunt or grandmother was connected to Hugo van der Goes, another famous painter who created an altarpiece for Edinburgh's Trinity College Kirk.
Cornelia's younger brothers, Simon Bening and Paul Bening, were also painters. Simon Bening's daughter, Levina Teerlinc, later became a painter at the court of King Henry VIII of England. It's thought that some Scottish painters named 'Binning' in the 1500s might have been related to this Flemish Bening family.
Andrew and Cornelia had a son named Thomas and a daughter named Cornelias.
Andrew Halyburton was well-connected in Edinburgh's merchant community. His sister, Helen Halyburton, was married to Laurence Taillefer. Laurence helped collect trade taxes in Edinburgh for the King, a job called 'Customar of Edinburgh.' Helen had also been married before and had a son named Sandy Mossman.
Andrew Moubray senior, another important merchant, was married to Jonet Halyburton, who might have been Andrew's older sister. Jonet's brothers, James and David Halyburton, served in the King's Scottish Guard. Andrew Halyburton also called some of his business partners "gossop" (a Scots word for relative) or "brother," showing how close-knit the merchant community was.
Death
Andrew Halyburton passed away in 1507. His house on the north side of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh was given to his son, Thomas Haliburton. However, Thomas died by 1534, and his sister Cornelia became the owner of the house.
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