George Auchinleck of Balmanno facts for kids

George Auchinleck of Balmanno (who passed away in 1596) was a Scottish courtier. He worked for Regent Morton during the 1570s. A courtier is someone who attends the court of a king or queen.

Working for Regent Morton

George Auchinleck was a relative of the Earl of Morton. When Morton became the Regent of Scotland, George Auchinleck took on an important role. He became Morton's "provisor," which meant he managed all the money and spending for Morton's household. This was a big job, as the Regent's household cost more to run than even the young King James VI of Scotland's household at Stirling Castle.

Auchinleck also built Balmanno Castle in Perthshire. This castle was his home.

A Strange Meeting

A writer named David Hume of Godscroft shared an interesting story about George Auchinleck. One day, an old man named Oliver Sinclair came to the Edinburgh Tolbooth. Sinclair had been a favorite of an earlier king, James V of Scotland. He got Auchinleck's attention, and when Auchinleck asked what he wanted, Sinclair simply said, "I am Oliver Sinclair," and then left. People at the time thought Sinclair was trying to tell Auchinleck that power can fade, and he might one day become as unimportant as Sinclair now was.

Changes in Power

Regent Morton's time in power ended in 1579. Morton had given Auchinleck special rights to fish in the River Don near Aberdeen. However, in July 1580, these rights were given to a new royal favorite, Esmé Stewart, 1st Duke of Lennox. Lennox then arranged for King James VI to give these valuable fishing rights to the town of Aberdeen instead.

Morton was later arrested in 1581. George Auchinleck was also questioned very strictly about serious accusations. He was accused of being involved in plots against the young King James VI and other important events. He denied these accusations.

The Raid of Ruthven

George Auchinleck was present at Huntingtower Castle when King James VI was taken during an event known as the Raid of Ruthven. It is said that Auchinleck helped prevent the Earl of Gowrie from harming James Stewart, Earl of Arran during this time.

Family and Later Life

George Auchinleck's first wife was Elizabeth Auchinleck. He married a second time in 1593 to Jean Erskine, who was the daughter of Alexander Erskine of Gogar.

He passed away at his home, Balmanno Castle, on November 3, 1596.