James Maxwell, 1st Earl of Dirletoun facts for kids
James Maxwell, 1st Earl of Dirletoun (died 1650) was an important Scottish nobleman who worked for the King. He held a special job called Black Rod and was also involved in managing some of the King's valuable jewels.
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Working for King James VI and I
James Maxwell was the son of Robert Maxwell and Nichola Murray. His mother's brother was John Murray, who became the Earl of Annandale. This family connection helped James Maxwell get a job at court.
In 1603, James Maxwell became a "Gentleman Usher" for King James. This meant he was a trusted servant who helped manage the King's daily life and important events. His younger brother, Robert Maxwell, also worked for the King as a sergeant-at-arms. In 1610, King James gave James Maxwell some land in Dumfries as a reward for his service.
Becoming Black Rod
In 1620, James Maxwell was given a very important job: Black Rod. The Black Rod is a high-ranking officer in the British Parliament. They are responsible for keeping order and taking part in important ceremonies, like the annual feast of the Order of the Garter at Windsor Castle. Maxwell was even given a house at Windsor and later became the Keeper of the small park there.
A Court Incident
In 1612, an incident happened at court involving James Maxwell and a lawyer named James Hawley. Maxwell pulled Hawley by his ear string during a royal event. This caused a big argument, and Hawley's friends, who were also lawyers, supported him. King James had to step in to solve the problem. At the time, some people in London didn't like the Scottish people who worked for King James, and this incident showed those feelings. Because of this, it was difficult for Maxwell to become a full citizen of England until 1622.
In 1614, King James sent Maxwell to Heidelberg with gifts for his daughter, Elizabeth Stuart, Queen of Bohemia.
Serving King Charles I
When King Charles I came to the throne in 1625, James Maxwell continued to serve the royal family. He became a "groom of the bedchamber," which meant he was very close to the King and could help others gain the King's favor.
Maxwell became quite wealthy. He bought several estates in England, including Wanborough Manor and Dirleton Castle. He also got special rights for making iron and pipe-clay.
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Royal Jewels
In 1630, James Maxwell was involved in selling some of the older crown jewels. He even bought some pieces himself! These included two pearls from a famous jewel called the "Mirror of Great Britain." He also acquired a gold circlet (a type of crown) that belonged to Anne of Denmark, King James's wife. This circlet was decorated with diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and pearls.
Becoming Earl of Dirletoun
James Maxwell bought Innerwick Castle and was often known as "Maxwell of Innerwick." In 1631, he purchased the lordship of Dirleton and Dirleton Castle. Around 1646, he was given the title of Earl of Dirletoun, making him a Scottish nobleman.
James Maxwell passed away at Holyrood Palace in April 1650 and was buried at Dirleton Kirk.
Family Life
In 1619, James Maxwell married Elizabeth de Boussy. She was from Antwerp and had worked for Queen Anne of Denmark. Elizabeth had a daughter from her previous marriage, named Jane Whorwood, who later became a well-known royal agent.
James and Elizabeth had two daughters:
- Diana Maxwell married Charles Cecil, Viscount Cranborne.
- Elizabeth Maxwell married the Duke of Hamilton. Her dowry (money or property given with a bride) in 1639 was a very large sum of 288,000 Scottish merks.
James Maxwell's brother, Robert, died in 1637. He left gifts for his nieces, Elizabeth and Diana, including an embroidered scarf and slippers.
