Archibald Napier (landowner) facts for kids

Sir Archibald Napier (born 1534 – died May 15, 1608) was an important Scottish landowner and government official. He was the head of the Scottish mint, which made coins for the country. He was also the seventh Laird of Merchiston, meaning he was the owner of a large estate.

Sir Archibald was the father of John Napier, a famous scientist and mathematician who invented logarithms.

Early Life and Family History

Archibald Napier was the oldest son of Alexander Napier, who was the sixth Laird of Merchiston. Sadly, his father died in 1547 at the Battle of Pinkie. Archibald's mother was Annabella Campbell. His grandfather, also named Alexander Napier, died even earlier, in 1513, at the Battle of Flodden.

In 1548, when Archibald was still young, he officially inherited his father's lands in Edenbellie. This was allowed so he could marry Janet Bothwell, which happened around 1549.

Managing His Lands

Archibald worked to get his family's properties in order. In 1555, he got back his lands in Gartnes, Stirlingshire. By 1558, he officially took ownership of lands in Blairwaddis, near the Isle of Inchcolm. In 1565, he was given the title of knight.

Supporting Mary, Queen of Scots

Sir Archibald seemed to support Mary Queen of Scots after she escaped from Lochleven Castle. During the siege of Edinburgh Castle in 1572, his home, Merchiston, was taken over by the king's supporters. They used it to stop supplies from reaching the castle, which was held by those loyal to the Queen. Because of this, the Queen's supporters inside the castle tried to burn Merchiston down, but they didn't succeed.

Working at the Scottish Mint

Sir Archibald Napier was very involved in Scotland's economy.

Mining and Coinage

He made a deal with Regent Morton to work in gold, silver, copper, and lead mines for 12 years. In 1576, he was appointed the general of the "cunzie-house," which was the official name for the Scottish mint. This meant he was in charge of making all the coins for Scotland. In 1581, he was asked to take action against John Achesoun, the king's chief coin maker. In 1580, he was paid for a trip he made to England.

Involvement in Church and Politics

Sir Archibald was also active in the Scottish church. In 1582, he helped prepare topics for the main meeting of the Scottish church, known as the General Assembly. He continued to be a regular member of these meetings and served on special committees.

In March 1584, the Edinburgh town council sold him some land to make his garden at Merchiston Tower bigger.

In 1590, Sir Archibald was part of a group that enforced laws against the Jesuits (a religious order). In 1593, he was chosen by church leaders to ask the king to take stronger action against Catholic nobles.

Later Life and Legacy

Sir Archibald continued to be involved in mining and money matters until the end of his life. In 1604, he discussed gold ore samples with an English prospector named George Bowes. In 1608, he was appointed to visit mines and check the quality of the ore.

He passed away on May 15, 1608, at the age of 74.

Family Life

Sir Archibald Napier was married twice and had several children.

First Marriage

With his first wife, Janet Bothwell (who died in 1563), he had two sons and one daughter:

• John Napier (1550–1617): A very famous scientist and mathematician who developed logarithms.
• Francis Napier: He became an assayer (someone who tests metals) at the Scottish Mint in 1581.
• Janet Napier.

Second Marriage

With his second wife, Elizabeth Mowbray, he had three sons and two daughters:

• Archibald Napier of Woolmet (1575-1600): He died in 1600.
• William Napier (1577-1622)
• Alexander Napier, Lord Laurieston (1578-1629): He became a judge in 1626.
• Helene: She married Sir William Balfour.
• Elizabeth: She married James, Lord Ogilvie, and later Alexander Auchmoutie.

In 1588, the king gave Sir Archibald, his second wife Elizabeth, and their son Alexander, lands called the King's Meadow. In 1593, he received half of the lands of Lauriston, where he built Lauriston Castle.

Images for kids

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  Lauriston Castle in 1775.