Henry Balnaves facts for kids

Henry Balnaves (born around 1512 – died February 1570) was an important Scottish politician, a top judge called the Lord Justice Clerk, and a leader in changing the church.

Biography

Early Life and Education

Henry Balnaves was born in Kirkcaldy, Fife, around 1512. He went to the University of St Andrews and also studied in other countries. While abroad, he became a Protestant, which was a new way of thinking about religion at the time.

When he came back to Scotland, he continued his studies in law. In 1538, he became a judge, known as a lord of session, and a Senator of the College of Justice.

Family and Early Political Role

Henry Balnaves married Christian Scheves. In 1539, he was given the Hall Hill estate in Fife. From then on, he was often known by the name of this estate.

Before 1540, he joined the special council of James V of Scotland, called the privy council. He was known for supporting a friendship with England and for wanting to change the church. He also worked as a secretary for the young Queen Mary in 1543.

Supporting Church Reform

Henry Balnaves helped pass a law that allowed people to read the Bible in their own language. This was a big change because, before this, it was often only available in Latin.

He was also chosen to help arrange a marriage between Queen Mary and the future Edward VI. However, he was not fully trusted by some in London. He was later removed from his jobs and put in Blackness Castle in November 1543.

Working for England

Henry Balnaves was set free in May 1544. After this, he started working for England in Scotland. He was not involved in the murder of Cardinal Beaton at St Andrews Castle. However, he was very active in defending the castle during the siege that followed. He also managed the money for the castle's defenders.

He helped King Henry VIII of England with his plan to marry Prince Edward to Queen Mary. This plan was called the Rough Wooing. Balnaves wrote a special agreement for Scots to support this marriage. When the castle surrendered to the French in July, Balnaves was taken prisoner to Rouen, France.

Imprisonment and Writing

While he was a prisoner, people tried to get him released, and he continued to receive money from England. He helped the English government by sharing information. He even received a reward from Queen Mary Tudor of England in 1554.

During this time, Balnaves also wrote a book about faith. It was called "A Comfortable Treatise of Justification." This book was found later and published in Edinburgh in 1584 as The Confession of Faith.

Return to Scotland and the Reformation

In February 1557, Henry Balnaves was allowed to return to Scotland and get his property back.

When Queen Elizabeth I became queen of England, things changed. Balnaves became very active in the religious changes happening in Scotland in 1559. He was asked to get help from the English government. He traveled secretly to Berwick to meet with English officials.

He also helped Scotland negotiate the Treaty of Berwick with England in 1560. This treaty was important for the Scottish Reformation.

Later Years and Legacy

In May 1562, Queen Mary officially forgave Henry Balnaves. In 1563, he got his job back as a judge. He was also chosen by the church to help update the Book of Discipline, which guided how the church should be run.

He was one of the judges in the trial of Bothwell for the murder of Lord Darnley in 1567. In 1568, he went with Moray to an investigation in York about Queen Mary's involvement.

Henry Balnaves died in 1570 in Leith. He is also remembered for writing a ballad called "O gallandis all, I cry and call."