David Erskine, Commendator of Dryburgh facts for kids

David Erskine was an important Scottish landowner and church official during the 1500s. He was the son of Robert Erskine, Master of Erskine, and his mother was Jean Home. His uncle was John Erskine, Lord Erskine.

Early Life and Important Roles

In 1556, David's uncle, the Earl of Mar, gave him a very important job. David became the Commendator of Dryburgh Abbey and Inchmahome Priory. A Commendator was like a manager or administrator for a church property, and these roles brought David a lot of money. His cousin, Adam Erskine, also became a Commendator for Cambuskenneth.

Connections to Mary, Queen of Scots

David Erskine's records show that in October 1566, his relatives Arthur Erskine of Blackgrange and his wife Magdalen Livingstone visited him at Dryburgh. After their visit, they traveled to Jedburgh to meet Mary, Queen of Scots. This shows David's connections to important people and events of his time.

Edinburgh Castle and Its Weapons

On March 21, 1567, David Erskine was present at a very important event at Edinburgh Castle. He witnessed and signed a list of all the guns and artillery (large cannons) at the castle. This happened when his uncle, the Earl of Mar, was handing over control of the castle to James Balfour of Pittendreich. David Erskine was part of the group that gave the castle keys to James Cockburn of Skraling during a special ceremony.

Family Matters and Later Life

David Erskine was married to Margaret Haldane. In May 1585, Margaret was held at Kildrummy Castle. Her brother asked Francis Walsingham, an important English official, for help. Walsingham then asked an English diplomat in Edinburgh, Edward Wotton, to help move Margaret to a more comfortable place. For a short time, another person named William Stewart of Caverston took over David's role as Commendator of Dryburgh.

In 1590, Jean Fleming, Lady Thirlestane paid David Erskine 132 Pound Scots (a type of Scottish money). This payment was for the "teind" of Lauder, which was a kind of tax or payment, often a tenth of farm produce, given to the church.

David Erskine passed away on May 28, 1611. His wife, Margaret Haldane, Lady Dryburgh, died a few years later on January 13, 1618.

Images for kids

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  Signature of David Erskine, as Commendator of Dryburgh