Henry Wardlaw of Pitreavie facts for kids
Henry Wardlaw of Pitreavie (1565–1637) was an important Scottish official who worked for the royal family. He was a courtier, meaning he spent time at the royal court. He was also an administrator, which means he helped manage royal properties and money.
He was the son of Cuthbert Wardlaw of Balmule.
Working for the Queen
Henry Wardlaw was in charge of the Dunfermline estates for Anne of Denmark. She was the wife of King James VI. Wardlaw took over this job from William Schaw.
The queen's properties included the Lordship of Dunfermline. They also included the Earldom of Ross. Wardlaw kept records of all the money the queen received from these lands.
In 1596, a group of financial managers called the Octavians gave Wardlaw a new role. He became the Receiver General. This meant he was responsible for collecting money for the government. This included money from old church lands and the royal mint.
In 1602, Wardlaw had to complain to the Privy Council of Scotland. This was because some tenants in Ettrick Forest were not paying their rent to the queen.
In 1609, he helped pay back £200. This money was for jewels that had been taken from Queen Anne.
In 1612, Queen Anne sent instructions to Wardlaw. She wanted him to help with the baptism of Anne Home. This baby was the daughter of the Earl of Home. The queen was the godmother. She wanted money to be given out as gifts at the baptism. Anna Hay, Countess of Winton represented the queen at the event.
Helping the King
Henry Wardlaw was knighted by the king on 22 October 1613. This means he was given the title "Sir." In May 1614, he bought the rights to the lands of Pitreavie from the city of Edinburgh.
Wardlaw also helped with building projects at royal palaces. King James planned to visit Scotland in 1617. Wardlaw and James Baillie were given £30,000. This money was for repairs at Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle, Falkland Palace, and Holyrood Palace.
After Queen Anne died in 1619, Wardlaw continued his work. He managed the Dunfermline estates for Prince Charles. His financial records from this time are still kept today.
After King James VI and I died, Wardlaw continued to pay salaries. These were for royal servants in Scotland. King Charles is said to have given Wardlaw a special bible. It had a beautiful embroidered cover. He also gave him a pair of gloves. These gifts are now kept at the University of St Andrews.
In 1626, Wardlaw used royal money to buy 26 blue gowns. These were given to 26 poor men at Holyrood Abbey. This happened on King Charles's birthday, 19 November. In 1629, Wardlaw also gave large sums of money to James Murray. This money was for repairs at Dumbarton Castle, Linlithgow Palace, and Falkland Palace.
Pitreavie Castle
Wardlaw built Pitreavie Castle near Dunfermline. He likely hired James Murray for this project. Murray was the royal master builder.
Henry Wardlaw died in 1637. He was buried at Dunfermline Abbey. Queen Anne of Denmark had given him a special burial spot there in 1616.
Marriage and Family
Henry Wardlaw married Elizabeth Wilson, or Hutton. They had several children, including:
- Henry Wardlaw (died 1653), who married Margaret Beaton.
- Elizabeth Wardlaw, who married Anthony Alexander in 1633. He was a Master of Works.
- John Wardlaw of Abden.
- William Wardlaw of Balmule, who married Christian Foulis.
- Anne Wardlaw (born 1606), who was named after Queen Anne of Denmark. She married William Lundie in 1623. Later, she married David Sibbald.
- Margaret Wardlaw, who married James Reed. He was the Provost of Dunfermline.
