Elizabeth Sinclair (courtier) facts for kids
Elizabeth Sinclair was a lady who served Margaret Tudor (1489-1541). Margaret Tudor was the wife of James IV of Scotland, the King of Scotland. Elizabeth Sinclair was an important part of the Queen's household.
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Who Was Elizabeth Sinclair's Family?
Elizabeth Sinclair came from a noble family. She was likely the daughter of either William Sinclair, 3rd Lord Sinclair (who died in 1487) or Henry Sinclair, 4th Lord Sinclair (who died in 1513). The official records of the royal treasurer show her as "Lord Sinclair's daughter." This means her family was well-known and connected to important people.
Life at the Royal Court
Life at the royal court was full of traditions. One special tradition was giving gifts on New Year's Day.
New Year's Gifts and Rewards
In January 1512, Elizabeth Sinclair was at Linlithgow Palace for New Year's Day. She received a valuable gift: a gold chain worth £7 and 4 shillings Scots. Other ladies of the court also received gifts, showing how important these events were.
In January 1513, Elizabeth received another gift of 10 French gold crowns. This shows she was highly valued by the Queen. Eight ladies who worked in the Queen's bedchamber, probably including Elizabeth, were also given special gold rings. These rings were made by a craftsman named John Aitkin at Stirling Castle.
A Special Opportunity to Marry
In February 1512, Elizabeth Sinclair received a very special reward. She was given the right to marry Walter Drummond (who died in 1518). Walter was the future heir of Lord Drummond. This was a big deal because it meant she could marry into a powerful family. She also had the option to sell this right to someone else, which could bring her a lot of money.
Walter Drummond eventually married Elizabeth Graham in 1513. So, it is likely that Elizabeth Sinclair gained money from selling her right to marry him.
Lands and Income
Queens in those days often had their own lands. These lands provided them with income.
Rewards from Queen Margaret Tudor
In the summer of 1524, Queen Margaret Tudor became the ruler of Scotland for her young son, James V. This gave her the power to reward people who had served her well.
On August 29, 1524, Queen Margaret rewarded Elizabeth Sinclair for her loyal service. Elizabeth received income from farms near Thornhill, in a place called Cessintully. This included a property known as McCorolstoun. Elizabeth also received income from another part of the Queen's lands at Cornton. All these lands are located in Stirlingshire. This income would have made Elizabeth financially secure.
Elizabeth's Marriage and Family
By 1540, Elizabeth Sinclair was married to a man named Bartholomew Balfour. In early modern Scotland, women usually kept their own family names after marriage. So, Elizabeth continued to be known as Elizabeth Sinclair.
Bartholomew Balfour's Role
Bartholomew Balfour was also connected to the royal court. He was appointed as a squire and gentleman in the household of King James V in 1524.
Bartholomew Balfour was involved in a dispute over the Queen's lands in Menteith in 1529. He supported James Stewart, the Captain of Doune Castle. In a court case about this dispute, Henry Stewart, 1st Lord Methven spoke on behalf of Bartholomew. Henry Stewart was the Captain of Doune's brother. He was also a member of the King's household and had married Queen Margaret Tudor.
Their Son and Descendants
Elizabeth and Bartholomew likely had a son also named Bartholomew Balfour (who died in 1547). This son was tragically killed at the battle of Pinkie. He was known as the "Laird of MacKarestowne," named after the property his mother had received. He married Margaret Drummond. Their children included Henry and Bartholomew Balfour, who later became commanders of Scottish troops in the Netherlands.
