James Balfour, Lord Pittendreich facts for kids

James Balfour, Lord Pittendreich (around 1525–1583) was an important Scottish lawyer, judge, and politician. He played a big role in the history of Scotland during the time of Mary, Queen of Scots.

Early Life and Challenges

James Balfour was the son of Andrew Balfour of Montquhanny. He studied law to work for the Church of Scotland.

Balfour was involved in some major events, like the capture of St Andrews Castle in Fife. In 1547, French forces took the castle. James Balfour was captured and forced to work as a galley-slave, rowing ships. He was with other famous people like John Knox during this time.

He was set free in 1549. After his release, he changed his views and began working for Mary of Guise, who was the Queen Regent of Scotland. He was rewarded with important jobs in the legal system.

Political Roles and Shifting Loyalties

Later, James Balfour joined a group of Protestant nobles called the Lords of the Congregation. This group was against the marriage of the young Mary, Queen of Scots, to the French prince, who later became Francois II of France. However, Balfour also shared their secrets with others.

After Mary, Queen of Scots, returned to Scotland, he became one of her trusted secretaries. By 1565, he was one of her most important advisors. He received the parsonage of Flisk in 1561. He was also made an Extraordinary Lord of Session and, in 1563, a commissary for the court that replaced the old church courts. In 1565, he became a privy councillor, and in 1566, he was made Lord Clerk Register and given a knighthood.

Balfour was connected to the events surrounding the death of Lord Darnley, Mary's husband. He helped arrange for Darnley to stay at a house called Kirk o' Field. He was also involved in agreements related to these events. He became a deputy-governor of Edinburgh Castle. He is also said to have helped with the marriage contract between Mary and Bothwell.

When Bothwell's power began to fall, Balfour quickly changed his support. He handed over Edinburgh Castle to James Stewart, Earl of Moray, who was the Regent. He was granted a pardon for his involvement in the events surrounding Darnley's death. He also kept the priory of Pittenweem and received money. He was then appointed Lord President of the Court of Session.

He was present at the Battle of Langside. He was accused of giving Mary bad advice and sharing important documents, known as the Casket Letters, with her enemies. However, in the same year, he was dismissed from his role because of new dealings with Mary's supporters. The next year, he was put in prison, again accused of being involved in Darnley's death.

Later Years and Legal Legacy

James Balfour managed to escape from prison by paying bribes. It was said he used money meant for Mary from France to do this. In 1571, during the regency of Matthew Stewart, 4th Earl of Lennox, he lost his property. But the next year, he was again sharing secrets of his party with James Douglas, Earl of Morton, who was then Regent. He received a pardon from Morton in 1573 and helped arrange a peace agreement called the Pacification of Perth.

Because no one fully trusted him, he fled to France and stayed there until 1580. In 1579, his property was taken away again by an act of parliament. In 1580, he offered his services to Mary and also to Queen Elizabeth I of England. He even offered to attend Protestant church services in Dieppe.

On December 27, 1580, he returned to Scotland. He played a key role in the downfall and execution of Regent Morton. Balfour showed a document and gave evidence that linked Morton to the events surrounding Darnley's death. In 1581, his case was reviewed, and he was found not guilty of murder. Soon after, in 1581 or 1582, he got his estates back and was welcomed at court. His career ended shortly before January 24, 1584.

James Balfour was considered the greatest lawyer of his time. He was at least partly the author of Balfour's Practicks, which is the earliest textbook on Scottish law. This important work was not published until 1754.

Family

James Balfour married Margaret, who was the daughter and heir of Michael Balfour of Burleigh. They had three daughters and six sons. Their oldest son, Sir Michael Balfour, became Lord Balfour of Burleigh in 1607. Their second son, Sir James Balfour, was created Baron Balfour of Clonawley in 1619.