James Boyd, 9th Lord Boyd facts for kids

James Boyd, 9th Lord Boyd (died 1654) was a Scottish nobleman. He was a strong supporter of the King during a time of big wars in Britain, known as the Wars of the Three Kingdoms.

Who Was James Boyd?

James Boyd became the 9th Lord Boyd in 1641. He inherited the title after his nephew, Robert Boyd, 8th Lord Boyd, passed away. James was the younger brother of Robert Boyd, 7th Lord Boyd.

Lord James was a very loyal supporter of King Charles I. In January 1641, he joined a group called the Association at Cumbernauld to show his support for the King. He also served on a special group called the Committee of War for the South in 1644, and for Ayr in 1644 and 1648. This group helped manage the war efforts.

After the wars, James Boyd faced some challenges. In 1650, he was asked to join an important meeting of nobles by Oliver Cromwell. In 1654, he had to pay a large fine of £1,500 because of a law called Cromwell's Act of Grace. This amount was later lowered to £500. His strong support for the King made things difficult financially. He even had to temporarily sell parts of his land to Sir William Cochrane.

Lord James cared a lot about the town of Kilmarnock. He worked to improve its trade and even started a school there. The school was for "the educatioune and learning off zoung ones," meaning it was for teaching young people. He passed away in March 1654. His last wishes were officially approved in Edinburgh in October 1655.

James Boyd's Family

Before 1640, Lord James married Catherine Crayke. She was the daughter of John Crayke from the city of York. Catherine was baptized in Bridlington in 1619.

To remember their marriage, the names "James Boyd and Catherine Craik" were carved into one of the towers of Dean Castle. This castle was the family home in Kilmarnock. Their family symbols were also carved there.

James and Catherine had several children:

• William, who became the first Earl of Kilmarnock. He was his father's heir.
• Eva
• Jean, who married David Cunningham, 1st Baronet of Robertland. She passed away in 1665.
• Margaret