James Kirkcaldy facts for kids

James Kirkcaldy of Grange (died 1556) was an important person in Scotland during the 1500s. He was a "laird," which means he owned a lot of land in Fife. He also held a very important job as the treasurer of Scotland. This meant he was in charge of the country's money.

James Kirkcaldy was married to Janet Melville. Their son, William Kirkcaldy of Grange, also became a famous figure later on. The family's main home was a place called Hallyards Castle. You might sometimes see his name spelled as Kirkaldy.

James Kirkcaldy: Scotland's Treasurer

As the Treasurer, James Kirkcaldy had many important duties. He helped King James V of Scotland when the king traveled to France in 1536. This trip was for King James to marry Madeleine of France. Kirkcaldy's job included making sure the sailors were paid and that the ships were fixed for the journey back home.

The king often rewarded James Kirkcaldy for his good work. For example, in 1537, James and Janet received a gift of land in Kinghorn. A few years later, in 1539, King James V gave him the rights to fish in the River Tay near Tentsmuir Forest.

In 1540, King James V made sure Kirkcaldy and another official, David Wood, were well-paid. They each received a good sum of money every year to help support their twelve servants who worked at court. Kirkcaldy also got extra money to "sustain the treasurer's house." This was especially important when the king and his court traveled around the country for legal matters, like trips to Dumbarton and Dumfries.

James Kirkcaldy was even present when King James V made his will. This happened on a ship called the Salamander of Leith in 1540, before the king set off on a journey to Orkney and the Western Isles.

Standing Up for Beliefs

James Kirkcaldy was known for his Protestant faith. During this time, there was a lot of tension between Protestants and Catholics in Scotland. Some Catholic leaders wanted King James V to punish Protestants and take their lands.

According to stories told by James Melville of Halhill and John Knox, James Kirkcaldy bravely spoke to King James V. He tried to convince the king not to persecute Protestants. In one famous story, King James V even confronted the clergy with his dagger, asking why his ancestors had given so much land to the church if it was just to support "idle priests."

However, when Kirkcaldy was away from court, his enemies tried to turn the king against him. These courtiers may have also convinced King James V not to meet with Henry VIII of England. Henry VIII hoped Scotland would become a Protestant country, and a meeting could have helped keep peace.

After King James V died, James Kirkcaldy continued his important work. As treasurer, he helped confirm an important agreement called the Treaty of Greenwich in 1543.

Holding St Andrews Castle

Later, James Kirkcaldy joined a group of Protestant lairds who took control of St Andrews Castle. They held the castle against the Scottish ruler at the time, Regent Arran.

In 1547, James Kirkcaldy and other lairds inside the castle, like Norman Leslie (soldier) and Henry Balnaves, made a promise to Edward VI of England. But soon after, a French fleet arrived and captured the castle. James Kirkcaldy was taken as a prisoner to France, along with others, including John Knox. Eventually, they were all released.

Family Life

James Kirkcaldy had three younger brothers named George, John, and Patrick. They were all close to the king and served at court.

James Kirkcaldy's most famous child was his son, Sir William Kirkcaldy of Grange. William became a well-known soldier and leader during the Scottish Reformation. He played a big part in the surrender of Mary, Queen of Scots at Battle of Carberry Hill in 1567. Later, William changed his mind and held Edinburgh Castle in Mary's name. However, the castle fell in 1573, and he was executed.

James Kirkcaldy also had several daughters:

• Marjory married Harry Ramsay.
• Agnes married Robert Drummond of Carnock, who was in charge of royal building projects.
• Marian married William Sempill of Cathcart Castle.
• Elspeth or Elizabeth Kirkcaldy married John Mowbray of Barnbougle Castle.