James Elphinstone, 1st Lord Balmerino facts for kids
James Elphinstone, born around 1553, was a Scottish nobleman and a key figure in politics. He served King James VI of Scotland and later King James I of England. However, he faced a major setback in his career in 1609.
Early Life and Career (Before 1605)
James Elphinstone was the third son of Robert Elphinstone, 3rd Lord Elphinstone. He became a judge, known as a lord of session, on March 4, 1586. At this time, he was called "Master James Elphinstone of Innernochtie."
In May 1590, he gave a speech in Latin to welcome King James VI and his new wife, Anne of Denmark, back from Denmark. Three years later, in July 1593, he joined a special group that managed the queen's money and properties.
By 1595, James was part of a group of eight people called the Octavians. They were in charge of the country's money. In 1598, he became the Secretary of State, a very important role. For the next five years, he was a member of the king's private council, helping to make big decisions.
James Elphinstone was a favorite of King James VI. When James became King of England in 1603, Elphinstone went with him to London. On February 20, 1604, the king made him a peer, giving him the title of Lord Balmerino. This title came from the lands of the Cistercian Abbey of Balmerino in Fife, which were turned into a lordship for him.
That same year, he was chosen as one of the Scottish representatives to discuss uniting Scotland and England. In March 1605, he became the Lord President of the Court of Session, the head of Scotland's highest court. While in this role, he successfully stood up to another powerful figure, George Home, 1st Earl of Dunbar. In September 1605, King James even wrote to him, asking him to find a new gardener for Holyrood Palace because the king planned to visit Scotland soon.
On June 15, 1608, Queen Anne of Denmark wrote to Lord Balmerino from Greenwich Palace. She was upset that her servant, Margaret Hartsyde, had been found not guilty of stealing her jewels. The queen believed that Scottish law should have found Hartsyde guilty. Lord Balmerino's brother, Sir John Elphinstone, also worked for Queen Anne. He was responsible for buying clothes and costumes for the women of the household for the baptism of Prince Henry in 1594.
Loss of Royal Favor
Many people thought James Elphinstone would become Secretary of State in England. However, his career stopped moving forward because he lost the king's trust.
The trouble began with a letter. In 1599, a letter that seemed to be signed by King James was sent to Pope Clement VIII. This letter asked the Pope to make William Chisholm, a relative of Balmerino, a cardinal. It also showed great respect for the Pope and the Catholic faith.
A copy of this letter was sent to Queen Elizabeth I of England, who then asked King James for an explanation. King James said the letter was a fake. Lord Balmerino, as Secretary of State, also said he didn't write it.
Years later, in 1607, King James wrote a book about loyalty. In response, a Catholic leader named Cardinal Bellarmine quoted the 1599 letter at length. He used it as proof that King James had once supported Catholicism.
King James then called for Lord Balmerino. Balmerino explained that he had written the letter himself. He said he had secretly placed it among other papers that the king was signing, so the king signed it without knowing what it was. Because of this, Balmerino was put on trial. He refused to argue his case, but he did say that the king had no idea about the letter sent to the Pope. He claimed he sent it himself as a political move.
The jury found Balmerino guilty. In March 1609, he was sentenced to a harsh punishment for being a traitor. However, the sentence was not carried out. This was thanks to Queen Anne of Denmark, who asked for mercy. She was influenced by Jean Drummond, one of her ladies-in-waiting and a relative of Balmerino.
There was another story about the letter. Some believed King James was open to writing to Pope Clement. But he didn't want to use the Pope's religious titles. So, Balmerino supposedly added those titles to a letter that King James had signed, knowing its general contents. When the issue came up again in 1606, powerful figures like Dunbar and Robert Cecil, 1st Earl of Salisbury pressured Balmerino. They promised him that his life and property would be safe if he took all the blame. Balmerino agreed to protect the king.
He was held at Falkland Palace until October 1609. After paying a large sum of money as security, he was allowed to move freely within the town and a mile around it. Later, he was allowed to go back to his own estate at Balmerino, where he passed away in July 1612.
Family Life
James Elphinstone married twice.
- His first wife was Sarah, daughter of Sir John Menteith. They had one son, John, who later became the second Lord Balmerino.
- His second wife was Marjory, daughter of Hugh Maxwell of Tealing. With Marjory, he had a son named James, who was made Lord Coupar in 1607. They also had two daughters, Anne and Mary.
