Francis Bothwell facts for kids

Francis Bothwell was an important Scottish person from Edinburgh. He was a successful merchant, owned land, and worked as a judge and politician. Because he went to university, people called him Master Francis Bothwell. This was like saying "Sir" but for someone with a university degree.

Francis Bothwell's Career

Francis Bothwell was the older son of Richard Bothwell, who was a Provost of Edinburgh (like a mayor) during the time of King James III. Francis studied at the University of Orléans in France. There, he was a "Procurator" for the Scottish students, which meant he looked after their interests.

In 1515, he became a Burgess of Edinburgh. This meant he had special rights as a citizen. Later, in 1525, he followed in his father's footsteps and became the Provost of Edinburgh.

Serving in Parliament and as a Judge

Francis Bothwell was chosen to represent Edinburgh in the Parliament of Scotland many times between 1524 and 1535. He was called a Burgh Commissioner. In Parliament, he helped make important decisions for the country.

He also became a judge. He was one of the very first Lords of Session when the College of Justice was created on May 27, 1532. The College of Justice was Scotland's highest court. For his work as a judge in the first year, he was paid a good amount of money.

Bothwell's Home and Business

In 1528, Francis Bothwell received a house on Edinburgh's famous Royal Mile. The house was in a small alley called Byer's Close. It had been taken by the Crown of Scotland because its previous owners left for England without permission. Today, the house on that spot is known as "Adam Bothwell's House," named after Francis's son.

Francis Bothwell was also a business partner with Adam Hopper, another Provost and merchant from Edinburgh. In 1529, they were working together, selling fish to England. After Adam Hopper passed away, Francis married his widow, Katherine Bellenden. Francis Bothwell was reported to be very ill in December 1535, but we don't know the exact date he died.

Francis Bothwell's Family

Francis Bothwell married his first wife, Janet Richardson. She inherited land in an area called Broughton, which then became part of Francis's property.

Francis and Janet had several children, including:

• Janet Bothwell, who married Archibald Napier. Their son was the famous mathematician John Napier, who invented logarithms.
• Richard Bothwell, who also became a Provost of Edinburgh later, during the time of Mary, Queen of Scots.
• Adam Bothwell, who became a Bishop of Orkney and also a Lord of Session, like his father. Adam's son was John Bothwell, Lord Holyroodhouse.

It's not clear if Adam Bothwell was the son of Francis's first wife, Janet Richardson, or his second wife, Katherine Bellenden. Katherine was involved in supplying cloth to the royal family. For example, in July 1537, "Master Francis Bothuilis wyfe" delivered purple velvet for the funeral of the Queen of the Scots, Madeleine of Valois.