Lord High Chamberlain of Scotland facts for kids

The Lord Chamberlain of Scotland was a very important job in the Scottish government, dating back to around 1124. This person was like a chief manager for the King of Scotland. King Malcolm IV thought this role was so important that he made it the third most powerful position in the country. The official Latin name for the job was Camerarius Domini Regis, which means "Chamberlain of the King."

What Did the Lord Chamberlain Do?

Managing the King's Money

Long ago, before Scotland had a Treasurer, the Lord Chamberlain was in charge of collecting all the money that belonged to the King. They also paid for everything the King's household needed to run smoothly. This included things like food, clothes, and staff wages.

Being a Top Judge

The Great Chamberlain was also a very powerful judge. They had the authority to decide cases about crimes that happened inside towns (called "burghs"). They also dealt with a crime called "forestalling," which was when someone bought goods before they reached the market to sell them at a higher price. This was seen as unfair. The Chamberlain was like the main judge for all the towns in Scotland. They even held special court sessions every year, called "Chamberlain-ayrs," just for this purpose. Their decisions were final and couldn't be challenged by lower courts. Town officials, called baillies, had to make sure the Chamberlain's judgments were carried out.

Setting Prices and Wages

Another important duty was making sure prices were fair. The Chamberlain would set the prices for food and other goods sold in towns. They also decided how much workers in the Mint (where coins were made) should be paid.

Changes to the Role Over Time

Losing Financial Power

After 1425, the Lord Chamberlain's job changed a lot. The financial duties, like collecting the King's money, were given to a new official called the Treasurer. This meant the Chamberlain no longer handled the royal finances.

Changes in Authority

The position was empty for several years between 1558 and 1569. In 1580, Esmé Stewart, 1st Duke of Lennox, who was a cousin of King James VI, became the Lord Chamberlain. He was very close to the King, which made his role important. However, after an event called the Raid of Ruthven in 1582, the Great Chamberlain lost their power over the royal burghs (the main towns).

The End of the Office

After these changes, the job of Lord Chamberlain was held by different members of the Lennox family. They held the position as a family right from 1603. But in 1703, the Duke of Richmond and Lennox gave the office back to the Crown forever. Since then, no new Great Chamberlain has been appointed in Scotland. A similar role was briefly brought back in 1711, but it ended when Queen Anne died.

Notable Lord Chamberlains

Many important people held the office of Lord Chamberlain throughout history. Here are a few examples:

• During the reign of David I of Scotland (1124-1153), Herbert served as Chamberlain.
• Under William the Lion (1165-1214), Walter de Berkeley of Redcastle and Philip de Valognes held the position.
• In the time of Alexander II of Scotland (1214-1249), notable Chamberlains included Henry de Balliol and Sir John de Maccuswel.
• During the reign of Robert the Bruce (1306-1329), Alexander Fraser of Touchfraser and Cowie, who was married to the King's sister, served as Chamberlain.
• Later, under James I of Scotland (1406-1437), Sir John Forrester of Corstorphine was the Chamberlain for many years.
• The last family to hold the title for a long time were the Dukes of Lennox, including Ludovick Stewart, who became the heritable (passed down through family) Chamberlain in 1594.