Arthur Erskine of Blackgrange facts for kids
Arthur Erskine of Blackgrange (died 1571) was a Scottish courtier. He worked for Mary, Queen of Scots, and was known for helping her escape a dangerous situation.
Working for the Queen
Arthur Erskine was the son of John Erskine, 5th Lord Erskine. He became an equerry, or master of the stable, for Mary, Queen of Scots. This meant he was in charge of the Queen's horses and everything to do with her stables.
A famous writer named John Knox mentioned that Arthur was with Queen Mary when she first arrived in Edinburgh in September 1561. During a parade, someone gave the Queen a Bible. She quickly gave it to Arthur.
In 1562, Arthur Erskine married Magdalen Livingstone. She was a lady-in-waiting to Queen Mary, meaning she helped the Queen daily. Queen Mary showed her appreciation for Arthur. In April 1562, she bought him a horse for £40. Later, in December 1566, she gave him £60 Scots from her royal income.
The Escape from Holyrood Palace
A very serious event happened on March 9, 1566. One of the Queen's secretaries, David Rizzio, was killed at Holyrood Palace. The next day, at midnight, Queen Mary escaped from the palace. She rode on a horse behind Arthur Erskine to Seton Palace. From there, they went to Dunbar Castle to find safety.
Reports from people like the Earl of Bedford and Thomas Randolph said that Arthur Erskine and Lord Robert Stewart tried to stop the attackers when they entered the Queen's room.
A French report also mentioned the Queen and her husband rode to Dunbar behind her "escuier" (equerry). Anthony Standen, who worked for the Queen's husband, Lord Darnley, wrote that Mary rode behind Erskine. Darnley was on another horse. There were six people in their group riding to Dunbar, including the Laird of Traquair.
Later Life
In October 1566, Arthur Erskine and Magdalen Livingstone stayed at Dryburgh Abbey. They were visiting his relative, David Erskine, Commendator of Dryburgh, who was in charge of the abbey. After their visit, they rode to Jedburgh to meet Mary, Queen of Scots. From Jedburgh, Queen Mary rode to Hermitage Castle to see the Earl of Bothwell.
As one of the Queen's stable masters, Arthur Erskine worked with Robert Abercromby. He was a craftsman in Edinburgh who made saddles and reins for horses.
Arthur Erskine died in 1571.
After his death, his wife, Magdalen Livingstone, married James Scrimgeour in 1577. He was from Dudhope. Mary, Queen of Scots, was not happy when she heard about this new marriage.
