Gilbert Balfour facts for kids
Gilbert Balfour was an important Scottish figure in the 1500s. He was a courtier, meaning he served in the royal court, and also a mercenary captain, which means he was a soldier who fought for money. He was connected to Mary, Queen of Scots.
Gilbert Balfour's Family and Lands
Gilbert Balfour was the second son of Andrew Balfour and Janet Bruce. His family came from a place called Mountquhanie in Kilmany, Fife.
He married Margaret Bothwell. Her half-brother was Adam Bothwell, who was the Bishop of Orkney. Bishop Bothwell gave Gilbert Balfour some land. This included the island of Westray and areas in Birsay, like Marwick and Skalden Fea. These lands were part of the church's property. Gilbert Balfour and Bishop Bothwell later had disagreements about these lands.
Gilbert Balfour was also made the Constable for the Bishop of Orkney. This meant he helped manage the bishop's affairs. He was in charge of collecting rents, which included "fat goods" like butter and oil from Shetland. These goods were then sent to Leith and sold to merchants. In 1566, he became the sheriff of Orkney.
Building Noltland Castle
At Noltland Castle on Westray, Gilbert Balfour started building a very impressive castle in the 1560s. It stands above the Bay of Pierowall. Noltland Castle is famous for its unusually large spiral staircase. It also has many openings for guns, which are called gunloops. These gunloops are unique in Scotland and even in Europe.
Working for the Queen
On October 1, 1565, Mary, Queen of Scots, gave Gilbert Balfour an important job. She made him her Master of Household. This meant he was a leading servant in the royal household. He was responsible for paying wages and making sure there was enough food for the queen and her court.
Gilbert Balfour played a visible role at the baptism of Prince James. This event took place at Stirling Castle in December 1566. During the celebration, there was a procession where food was brought into the Great Hall. Gilbert Balfour walked in this procession with other important people. There was also entertainment, including songs and characters representing the Orkney Islands.
In January 1573, Gilbert Balfour and his brothers, James Balfour and Robert Balfour, were given a pardon. They had to pay a large sum of money, 10,000 merks, to ensure they would behave well. The ruler at the time, Regent Morton, also required Gilbert Balfour and his wife to give up Westray Castle and their lands at Noltland. These lands went to Robert Stewart, 1st Earl of Orkney, who managed Orkney and Zetland, and his wife Jean Kennedy.
Gilbert Balfour never got to use Noltland Castle himself. After his death, ownership of Noltland passed to Archibald Balfour of Westray, and then to Andrew Balfour of Montquhanie.
