Gilbert Moncreiff facts for kids

Gilbert Moncreiff (died 1598) was a Scottish doctor who worked for the royal family. He was known as a "court physician," meaning he was the personal doctor for the king and his family.

Moncreiff started working for King James VI in November 1575. He lived at Stirling Castle for four years, looking after the young king. Records show he had been serving the king since he was born in 1566.

Helping the Royal Family

Gilbert Moncreiff worked with other important doctors, surgeons, and pharmacists for King James VI. He also cared for the king's wife, Anne of Denmark, and their children. Some of his colleagues included the German doctor Martin Schöner, surgeons John Naysmyth and Gilbert Primrose, and the pharmacist Alexander Barclay.

In February 1594, Moncreiff was chosen to be with Queen Anne of Denmark at Stirling Castle. This was when she gave birth to their first son, Prince Henry. He worked alongside Dr. Martin Schöner, Gilbert Primrose, Alexander Barclay, and the midwife, Jonet Kinloch.

Other Important Work

Moncreiff was also involved in the education of young nobles, like the Duke of Lennox in 1583. He helped the poet Alexander Hume get better when he was sick. Because of Moncreiff's help, Alexander Hume later wrote a poem called Ane Epistle to Maister Gilbert Montcrief in his honor.

In September 1596, Moncreiff was part of a group that interviewed a woman named Christian Stewart. She was accused of using witchcraft to harm someone. She admitted to getting a special cloth to cause harm. She repeated her confession to the king at Linlithgow Palace.

Gilbert Moncreiff passed away in Edinburgh in February 1598. His belongings included many medicines, sugar, and gold coins from different rulers. He also accepted jewelry as payment for his services.