Andrew Murray, 1st Lord Balvaird facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Lord Balvaird
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|---|---|
| Born | 1597? |
| Died | 1644 |
| Education | University of St Andrews |
| Occupation | Minister |
| Title | 1st Lord Balvaird |
| Spouse(s) | Elizabeth Carnegie |
| Children | 5 sons, 4 daughters |
| Parent(s) | David Murray of Balgonie, Fifeshire Agnes, daughter of Moncrieff of Moncrieff |
Sir Andrew Murray, 1st Lord Balvaird (born around 1597, died 1644), was an important Scottish minister. He served the church in a place called Abdie in Fife. He was special because he was the only minister of the Church of Scotland to ever be given a knighthood or a noble title (a peerage).
Contents
Life of a Scottish Minister
Early Life and Education
Andrew Murray was the second son of David Murray of Balgonie, a place in Fifeshire. His mother was Agnes, the daughter of Moncrieff of Moncrieff. Andrew went to the University of St Andrews and earned his Master of Arts degree in 1618.
In 1622, his grandfather, Sir David Murray, 1st Viscount Stormont, helped him get a job at the church of Abdie. Andrew officially started his ministry there on October 1st.
Becoming a Knight and a Lord
When his grandfather passed away in 1631, Andrew inherited some lands in Fifeshire called Arngask and Kippo. In 1633, Charles I visited Scotland for his coronation. During this visit, on June 15th, Andrew Murray was made a knight at Seton Palace. This meant he was now called "Sir Andrew Murray." He was also the feudal Lord of Balvaird, which meant he owned the land and had certain rights over it.
Role in the Church and Parliament
In February 1638, Andrew Murray was one of the people who signed the Covenant at Greyfriars Church, Edinburgh. This was an important document that supported the Church of Scotland's independence.
Later that year, at a meeting of the church's assembly, he tried to help find a middle ground between the king's ideas and the more extreme views of some church leaders. The king's representative, the Marquis of Hamilton, told the king about Murray's efforts. Because of this, on November 17, 1641, King Charles I made Andrew Murray a peer. This gave him the noble title of Lord Balvaird.
As a peer, Lord Balvaird attended a meeting of the Scottish Parliament (called the convention of estates). However, on August 10, 1643, the church assembly decided that he should focus on his ministry. They asked him to stop speaking in parliament.
In March 1642, Mungo Murray, the 2nd Viscount of Stormont, died. Lord Balvaird inherited the lands and lordship of Stormont, but not the title of Viscount. Sir Andrew Murray, 1st Lord Balvaird, passed away on September 24, 1644, when he was about 47 years old.
About 20 years after his death, Andrew Murray's son, also named Andrew, built a large house called Murrayshall House. His family, who later became known as the Murray-Grahams, lived in this house for 260 years.
Family Life
Sir Andrew Murray was married to Lady Elizabeth Carnegie. She was the daughter of David Carnegie, 1st Earl of Southesk. Together, they had five sons and three daughters.
His Sons
- David Murray, 2nd Lord Balvaird: When James Murray, 2nd Earl of Annandale, died in 1658, David inherited the titles of Viscount Stormont and Lord Scone.
- Sir Andrew Murray of Pitlochrie
- The Hon. James Murray: He was a doctor.
- Sir John Murray of Drumcairne: He became a judge in October 1681. He was also appointed a judge in criminal cases in July 1687. However, during the Glorious Revolution, he lost all his official jobs.
- The Hon. William Murray: He was a lawyer in Scotland.
His Daughters
- Catherine
- Marjory: She married Sir Alexander Gibson of Durie, who was also a judge.
- Barbara: She married Patrick, Lord Gray.
