James Melville of Halhill facts for kids
Sir James Melville (born 1535, died 1617) was an important Scottish diplomat. He also wrote a famous memoir about his life. He was the father of the poet Elizabeth Melville.
Contents
Sir James Melville's Early Life
James Melville was born in 1535. He was the third son of Sir John Melville. His father was from Raith in Fife. In 1548, his father was executed. One of James's brothers was Robert Melville.
In 1549, James went to France. He became a page for Mary, Queen of Scots. A page was like an assistant or servant. In 1557, he fought in the Battle of St. Quentin. He was wounded and captured during this battle. After that, he worked as a diplomat for Henry II of France.
Working for Mary, Queen of Scots
When Mary, Queen of Scots, returned to Scotland in 1561, she gave James Melville a special payment. She also gave him a job in her royal household. He became a diplomat for her.
Meeting Queen Elizabeth I
In 1564, Melville met Elizabeth I of England. He wrote about this meeting in his memoir. Queen Elizabeth showed him tiny portraits. She also let him hear her play the virginals, which was a musical instrument.
Mary sent Melville to Elizabeth again. This time, his job was to help Elizabeth accept Mary's marriage. Mary was planning to marry Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley.
Important News for the Queen
In May 1566, Melville met an English agent in Edinburgh. In June 1566, he was with Queen Mary in Edinburgh Castle. When Mary Beaton told him that Prince James was born, Melville rode to London. He delivered the news to Queen Elizabeth. He also carried messages from Mary and her half-brother, the Earl of Moray. Melville returned to Edinburgh on July 3.
After Darnley was murdered in February 1567, Melville warned Mary. He told her about the dangers of marrying Bothwell. Bothwell was a powerful lord. Melville was saved from Bothwell's anger by the Queen's brave decision.
Serving King James VI
After Mary was imprisoned, Melville continued his diplomatic work. He gained the trust of James VI. King James took control of the government himself.
In 1588, Richard Douglas met Melville at Falkland Palace. Douglas mentioned that his uncle was sending Melville a musical instrument. It was a pair of virginals for his daughter, Elizabeth Melville.
Knighted by the King
Melville became a knight in 1590. This happened at the coronation of Anne of Denmark. He was chosen to entertain the English ambassador. This ambassador had come to congratulate James VI. The King had returned safely from Denmark and married Anne. James VI gave the ambassador a ring with seven diamonds.
Melville then started working for Queen Anne. He became a Gentleman of her Chamber. In his memoir, he wrote about how James VI appointed him. He had to overcome the Queen's first doubts about him. She thought he might be watching her or reporting on her.
Royal Duties and Retirement
In July 1593, a new council was formed to manage the Queen's lands. Melville was not part of this group. On July 24, Melville reassured two Danish ambassadors. They were staying in Edinburgh after a difficult event. He also attended the baptism of Prince Henry in August 1594. He stood behind the Queen and spoke French for her to the ambassadors. They had brought gifts for the baby prince.
Melville inherited the Halhill estate in Fife. He retired there in 1603. King James asked him to come to London. The King was moving there to become King of England. But Melville chose to stay in Scotland.
Sir James Melville died at Halhill on November 13, 1617. He was buried in Collessie churchyard. Halhill was the main house of the Easter Collessie lands in Fife.
Family Life
In 1569, Melville married Christian Boswell. She died in 1609. Her father was David Boswell of Balmuto. He was a very religious Catholic. He was happy when Mary, Queen of Scots, visited. This allowed his seven sons to hear a Catholic mass at home.
Sir James and Christian had several children:
- James Melville
- Robert Melville
- Margaret Melville, who married Andrew Balfour
- Elizabeth Melville, a poet and mother to Alexander Colville
- Christian Melville, who married John Bonar
His Writings
At Halhill, Melville wrote his book, Memoirs of my own Life. This book is a very important source for learning about the history of that time. His grandson, George Scott of Pitlochie, first published it in 1683. He found the original writing at Edinburgh Castle in 1660.
The most complete version of the Memoirs was put together by Thomas Thomson. This version was based on another original writing found in 1827.
