George Elphinstone facts for kids

Main Street, Gorbals, with the Elphinstone Tower, 1868, Thomas Annan

George Elphinstone of Blythswood (died 1634) was an important Scottish landowner and a trusted helper to King James VI. He also served as the Provost (like a mayor) of Glasgow.

Life of George Elphinstone

George Elphinstone was the son of George Elphinstone of Blythswood. His father was a well-known merchant and shipowner in Glasgow. His mother was Marion Scott.

Working for the King

George Elphinstone became a knight in 1594. This happened during the big party for the baptism of Prince Henry at Stirling Castle.

In 1596, he became a "gentleman of the king's bedchamber." This meant he was a close assistant to James VI of Scotland. He helped control who could meet the king. Sometimes, he secretly brought important people, like the English diplomat George Nicholson, to see the king at Holyroodhouse.

George Elphinstone was part of a group of friends at the Scottish court. This group included other important people like Lord Balmerino and Sir George Home. They were very loyal to the king.

Elphinstone's good relationship with the king helped his family. His sister Egidia's husband, James Sempill of Beltrees, was a diplomat. He helped King James become the King of England as well, uniting the crowns of Scotland and England.

Connections and Entertainers

George Elphinstone also had links to the Western Isles of Scotland and Ireland. He helped with talks between these areas and the king's court. In 1598, his girlfriend and he received gifts from an Irish leader named Sorley Boy MacDonnell.

In 1599, George Elphinstone helped a group of English actors in Edinburgh. He was given money to build their stage. He also gave them a reward from the king. These actors included Lawrence Fletcher and Martin Slater. Even though the church in Edinburgh tried to stop the shows, the king supported them.

Marriage and Gifts

Elphinstone married Agnes Boyd in August 1600. She was the daughter of Thomas Boyd, Lord Kilmarnock. King James VI gave Agnes a beautiful gold necklace and a gold belt with pearls as a wedding gift. He also gave her matching gold hair decorations.

After their wedding, King James visited the couple in Glasgow. He then gave Elphinstone land in the New Park of Partick. The king wanted Elphinstone to build a better house there to host him next time.

Provost of Glasgow

George Elphinstone worked for the Duke of Lennox. In September 1600, the Duke and the king chose him to be the Provost of Glasgow. This was a very important job, like being the head of the city council.

As Provost, he helped create the 1605 Letter of Guildry. This document set up a merchant's guild in Glasgow. It helped organize merchants and craftspeople in the city. However, he later had disagreements with the town council. This happened when he tried to claim money from the city's market and bridge.

One of Elphinstone's homes was in Gorbals, on Main Street. Later, in the 1800s, parts of his old home were still there. These included a small tower and a building with fancy plasterwork on the ceiling.

Family Life

George Elphinstone and Agnes Boyd had children, including:

• James Elphinstone