James MacGill facts for kids

Sir James MacGill, also known as Lord Rankeillor, was an important Scottish official and judge who lived in the 1500s. He worked for the Scottish royal family and was a member of the Privy Council, a group of trusted advisors. He was also the Lord Clerk Register, meaning he was in charge of all of Scotland's official documents and archives. Even though he worked for Catholic queens, he was a strong Protestant.

Working for Queen Mary's Mother

Sir James MacGill became the Lord Clerk Register in 1554. This was when Mary of Guise, the mother of Mary, Queen of Scots, was ruling Scotland. He helped with important peace talks between Scotland and England. In 1557, he met with English officials near Carlisle. He wanted to make sure Scotland would not break any peace treaties with England just to please France.

Later, in 1559, he helped negotiate a peace treaty called the Treaty of Upsettlington. During this time, Scotland was going through a big change called the Scottish Reformation, where many people became Protestant. MacGill was asked to find old records to accuse some Protestant leaders of treason. But secretly, he was meeting with English commanders and told them that many of the Queen Regent's advisors were actually supporting the Protestants.

Serving Mary, Queen of Scots

When Mary, Queen of Scots returned to Scotland in 1561, she made MacGill a Privy Councillor. This meant he was one of her closest advisors. After her secretary, David Riccio, was murdered, some people wanted MacGill removed from court. They called him "a man of no family and contriver of all evil."

After Queen Mary went to England, MacGill was part of the group that presented the "casket letters" at York. These letters were said to show that Mary was involved in her husband Lord Darnley's death. He also met with Elizabeth I of England and her advisors in 1568.

Under King James VI

In 1570, MacGill was chosen to be the Provost of Edinburgh, which is like being the mayor. This was a difficult time because Mary's supporters were holding Edinburgh Castle. This led to a conflict known as the War between Leith and Edinburgh.

MacGill was sent to ask England for help. He requested cannons, soldiers, and support for Scottish troops. He was especially interested in the siege because Scotland's important records and royal jewels were kept inside Edinburgh Castle. While the castle was under siege, Mary's supporters destroyed MacGill's homes in Edinburgh twice. The city council had to meet in Leith instead of Edinburgh.

In 1575, the Regent Morton asked MacGill to work on a new contract for gold and silver mining with a Dutch engineer. Morton also helped MacGill's sons, John and David, get passports to study in France.

Sir James MacGill died on October 16, 1579.

MacGill's Family

Sir James MacGill's wife was Janet Adamsoun, also known as Janet Adamson. She was a well-known Protestant. The famous Protestant leader John Knox even wrote letters to her. In one letter, he called her one of his "sweet sisters."

In 1584, Janet was banished from Edinburgh because she supported a Protestant leader named William Ruthven. She had to leave her house on the Royal Mile.

In 1583, Janet wrote to an English diplomat. She reminded him of her husband's good work for Scotland. She also mentioned his efforts to keep peace and friendship between Scotland and England.

Their children included:

• James MacGill
• John MacGill
• David MacGill
• Rachael MacGill, who married twice.

In 1575, David and John went to France to continue their education.