Archibald Napier, 1st Lord Napier facts for kids
Archibald Napier, 1st Lord Napier (around 1576 – November 1645), was an important Scottish politician and judge. He was also known as the 9th Laird Napier of Merchiston. In 1627, he received the special titles of Lord Napier of Merchiston and Baronet of Nova Scotia.
Archibald Napier's Life
Archibald Napier was the son of John Napier, a famous mathematician, and Elizabeth Stirling.
In 1619, Archibald married Margaret Graham. She was the daughter of John Graham, 4th Earl of Montrose. Her brother was James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose. Archibald and Margaret had four children:
- John Napier, who sadly died young.
- Archibald Napier, who took over his father's title as Lord Napier.
- Margaret Napier, who married Sir George Stirling of Keir.
- Lilias Napier, who never married.
His Important Jobs and Titles
Archibald Napier held many important jobs during his career. Here are some of them:
- He was a Gentleman of the Privy Chamber for King James VI. This meant he was a close helper to the King. Napier went with the King to London in 1603 for his crowning at Westminster Abbey.
- He was the Treasurer-depute of Scotland from 1622 to 1631. This role involved managing the country's money.
- He became a Lord of Session in 1623. This was a position as a judge in Scotland's highest court.
In 1633, he was one of the people who carried the canopy (a special cloth covering) during a royal parade. King Charles I of England made him a Baronet of Nova Scotia on May 2, 1627. Just a few days later, on May 5, 1627, the King also knighted him with the title Lord Napier of Merchiston.
Supporting the King
In 1640, Archibald Napier supported King Charles I. He stood with the King against a group called the Covenanters. His son, Archibald, the Master of Napier, also helped the King.
Napier's son managed to escape, but Lord Napier and his family were put in prison in Edinburgh Castle. They were also fined a large sum of £10,000. Later, they were moved to Linlithgow. However, Lord Napier's son, Archibald, bravely planned their escape.
Both Lord Napier and his son then joined the Marquess of Montrose. Montrose was Lord Napier's brother-in-law. They fought together at the Battle of Philiphaugh. Even though Lord Napier was over 70 years old, he still joined the fight. Montrose and his supporters lost the battle. Montrose, Lord Napier, and his son escaped to the Highlands. Lord Napier passed away in November 1645, in Fincastle, Perthshire.
Archibald Napier wrote a book called Memoirs of Archibald, First Lord Napier: Written by Himself. He wrote it to defend himself against accusations about his money. These accusations were later found to be false. His memoirs were published in Edinburgh in 1793 by Francis, the 8th Lord Napier.
