Edward Bruce, 1st Lord Kinloss facts for kids

Lord Kinloss.

Lord Kinloss built Culross Abbey House in 1608.

Kinloss's tomb at the Maughan Library in London.

Edward Bruce, 1st Lord Kinloss (born in 1548 – died on January 14, 1611) was an important Scottish lawyer and judge. He was also a trusted advisor to King James VI of Scotland.

Edward was the second son of Edward Bruce of Blairhall and Alison Reid.

A Life of Service and Influence

Working for the King

Edward Bruce was a very important person in Scotland during the time of King James VI. He often helped the king with important tasks.

In 1594, King James VI sent Edward Bruce to London as an ambassador. An ambassador is someone who represents their country in another country. Edward's job was to talk with Queen Elizabeth I of England. He invited her to a special event for Prince Henry, King James's son. He also discussed important matters between Scotland and England. One of his tasks was to ask Queen Elizabeth for money she regularly gave to King James.

More Important Missions

Edward Bruce went to London again in 1598 to get more money from Queen Elizabeth. He also helped his brother, George Bruce, with a legal problem involving his ship. Edward also successfully helped free Robert Ker of Cessford, who was being held by the Archbishop of York. When he returned to Scotland, King James VI spent four hours talking with him about his missions.

In 1601, Edward Bruce became the head of Kinloss Abbey. This was a special position that gave him control over the abbey's lands. He also became a "Lord of Session" from 1597 to 1603. This meant he was a judge in Scotland's highest court. In 1602, he was given the title Lord Kinloss, which made him a Scottish noble.

Edward Bruce was also part of a secret plan to help King James VI become the King of England. This plan was called the "Secret correspondence of James VI." It helped lead to the "Union of the Crowns" in 1603. This is when King James VI of Scotland also became King James I of England.

Moving to England

When King James became King of England in 1603, Edward Bruce went with him. Edward became an English subject and joined the King's Privy Council. This was a group of important advisors to the King. He was also made the "Master of the Rolls" for life. This was a very important legal job in England. He also received Whorlton Castle and its lands. This castle stayed in the Bruce family for many years.

In 1604, he was given another title, Lord Bruce of Kinloss. This title would pass down to his male children. Edward Bruce became very ill around 1608. He passed away in London in January 1611. His oldest son, also named Edward Bruce, took over his titles.

After his death, a list was made of all his belongings. He had beautiful tapestries for his main room and fancy leather wall hangings for his gallery. He also owned several paintings, including portraits of kings and queens.

Family Life

Edward Bruce married a woman named Magdalene Clerk. They had several children:

• Edward Bruce, 2nd Lord Kinloss (1594–1613): He sadly died in a duel when he was young. His heart was buried in a special silver case at Culross Abbey in Scotland.
• Christian Bruce (died 1675): She married William Cavendish, who became the 2nd Earl of Devonshire.
• Thomas Bruce, 1st Earl of Elgin (1599–1663)
• Robert Bruce, who became the Baron of Skelton.
• Janet Bruce: She married Thomas Dalyell. Her son, General Tam Dalyell, became a famous military leader.

After Edward Bruce passed away, his wife Magdalene married Sir James Fullerton in 1616.