Bartholomew de Villemore facts for kids
Bartolomew de Villemore was a French official who worked for Mary of Guise, the mother of Mary, Queen of Scots. He was an important helper and manager in their royal households.
Early Life and Work in France
Villemore worked for Queen Mary in France. In 1551, Mary of Guise asked him to handle a payment for Patrick, Master of Ruthven.
In September 1554, Villemore visited Queen Mary's household at Villers-Cotterêts in France. Mary's governess, Françoise de Paroy, was happy to hear his news. At this time, Queen Mary was having her portrait painted by an artist.
Role as Comptroller of Scotland
On May 1, 1555, Villemore received a very important job. He became the Comptroller of the Scottish exchequer. This meant he was in charge of all the money coming into the royal treasury. He collected all the Queen's income.
He also helped manage building projects for the Queen. In May 1559, John Scrimgeour of Myres wrote to Villemore about work at Falkland Palace. Villemore oversaw repairs and new constructions, like fixing windows and building fences. He made sure places were ready for important visitors like Mary of Guise. His letters and records from 1558 and 1559 are kept at the National Archives of Scotland.
Villemore also helped with military matters. In November 1560, he tried to get money to keep soldiers on Inchkeith. This island in the Firth of Forth was very important for defense. He even used soldiers from Dunbar Castle.
Villemore stayed as Comptroller until October 1561. Then, he returned to France, and John Wishart of Pitarrow took over his role.
Challenges and Later Years
During a time of big changes in Scotland, known as the Scottish Reformation, some people questioned Villemore's job. In March 1560, the Earl of Arran challenged his appointment. This was because Villemore was French, not Scottish.
In November 1562, Thomas Randolph, an English diplomat, mentioned Villemore in his letters. At that time, Queen Mary had been in Aberdeenshire and returned to Kinneil House. Villemore was also at Kinneil.
By 1563, Villemore was a master of the Queen's household. He signed her household books, which recorded daily expenses. He later traveled to France with Thomas Maitland, who was the brother of Mary's secretary, William Maitland of Lethington.
