David Guthrie (lord treasurer) facts for kids

Sir David Guthrie was an important Scottish nobleman who lived in the 1400s. He was active around 1479 and held many high-ranking jobs in the Scottish government, especially under King James III. He helped manage the country's money and legal system.

Sir David Guthrie: A Royal Helper

Early Life and Rise to Power

David Guthrie was the son of Alexander Guthrie. His family had a long history, and he eventually got back the lands of Guthrie that his family had once owned. From then on, he was known as Sir David Guthrie of Guthrie and Kincaldrum.

From a young age, David grew up around the royal court. He became a personal assistant and protector to King James II. Later, he became very important to King James III.

Important Jobs in Government

When King James III was a child and couldn't rule by himself, David Guthrie was made the lord treasurer of Scotland in 1461. This meant he was in charge of the country's money. On 15 October 1466, Sir David Guthrie also became the Comptroller of the Household. This job involved managing the royal family's spending.

Working for the King

David Guthrie held both the treasurer and comptroller roles at different times, and sometimes even at the same time! His name appears in many official royal documents from that period, showing how busy and important he was. In 1468, he became the Lord Clerk Register, which meant he was responsible for keeping public records. The next year, he was made Master of the Rolls, another important legal and record-keeping job. He was again listed as comptroller in November 1470.

Making Peace with England

In April 1472, Sir David Guthrie was chosen as one of Scotland's representatives to meet with English officials in Newcastle. They worked together to create a peace agreement, or truce, that would last from April 20, 1472, until July 1483. This showed his skill as a diplomat.

Later Life and Family

In 1473, David Guthrie became the main judge of Scotland, known as the Lord Chief Justice. The last time his name appears in official records as a judge was in 1474, but we know he lived until at least 1479.

Building a Church

During his time of great influence, Sir David Guthrie made his land and wealth bigger. He also started and funded a special church called a collegiate church in Guthrie. This church had a leader (a provost) and three priests, which his eldest son later increased to eight. This was confirmed by an official document from Pope Sixtus IV in 1479.

His Family's Legacy

Sir David Guthrie was married twice. His eldest son, Alexander Guthrie, along with a grandson, three sons-in-law, and a nephew, all tragically died in the Battle of Flodden in 1513.