James Sandilands, 1st Lord Torphichen facts for kids

James Sandilands (born around 1511, died around 1579 or 1596) was a Scottish nobleman. He was the second son of Sir James Sandilands, 7th Lord of Calder. His family had owned the lands of Calder since 1348.

James Sandilands: Knight of St. John

James Sandilands joined the Knights Hospitaller in December 1540. This was a famous religious and military order. At that time, their main headquarters were in Malta. In 1541, he was given the right to become the Preceptor of Torphichen. This was a very important position for the Knights in Scotland.

Becoming a Preceptor

The leader of the Knights in Scotland was called the Preceptor of Torphichen. Sir Walter Lindsay was the Preceptor then. He suggested James Sandilands as his replacement. James spent several years at the Knights' headquarters in Malta. He proved he was a good choice. After Sir Walter Lindsay died, James became the Preceptor in 1547. He officially took over the lands and duties in June 1550.

A Mission for Scotland

Even with many religious changes happening, the Knights Hospitaller kept their lands in Scotland. In 1560, the Parliament of Scotland sent James Sandilands to France. His job was to give the proposed Treaty of Edinburgh to Mary, Queen of Scots. This treaty aimed to end the alliance between France and Scotland. However, his mission was not successful.

Becoming Lord Torphichen

On January 24, 1563, James Sandilands met with Mary, Queen of Scots. He was asked to give up the lands and possessions of the Knights Hospitaller. He also gave up the title of Lord St. John, which he held as Preceptor. The Queen accepted them. She thought highly of him. So, she sold him back the lands of Torphichen at a good price. She also gave him the new title of Lord Torphichen.

Sandilands and Royal Possessions

In April 1573, James Sandilands was called to answer questions. The Privy Council of Scotland and Regent Morton wanted to know about some belongings of Mary, Queen of Scots. James explained that Mary's valet, Servais de Condé, had asked him to look after some items. These items belonged to the Queen's uncle.

Moving the Queen's Items

The items were first placed in James's room at Holyrood Palace. Later, because of a health scare, they were moved to his house at Torphichen. Then, the Hamilton family took James from his house. They also took these royal possessions to Hamilton Palace. Regent Moray wrote about this event in a letter in 1569. He called it "taking the Lord of St John, a peaceable and honest gentleman forth of his own house, who also was spoiled of all his goods."

Returning the Items

The royal possessions at Hamilton were later returned to Holyrood Abbey. James Sandilands said that Servais de Condé received many books and other items. But these were "dispersed, dimembered, and spoilt by the soldiers." They were damaged from being dragged on sleds through muddy areas. Regent Lennox also asked James about the return of these items.

Security for Money Owed

Mary, Queen of Scots, owed James Sandilands some money. He asked Servais and his nephew to keep some furnishings at Holyrood for him as security. These included a tapestry that had been brought back from Hamilton. There were also parts of a black velvet bed and red bed hangings. James said his possessions were now in his lodgings in Leith, at Calder, or at a friend's house in Fife. Witnesses were called to talk about royal items they had seen in James's houses. One person said James always had many books. Another explained that Mary had let James use some of her furnishings. This happened when she was imprisoned at Lochleven Castle and James was ill at Holyrood.

Family Life and Legacy

James Sandilands married Janet Murray. She was the daughter of William Murray of Tullibardine and Polmaise. James died without having any children. He passed away at Hallyards Castle on September 29, 1579.

Succession of the Title

Janet Murray stayed at Hallyards. She later married John Graham, who became known as John Graham, Lord Hallyards. He had disagreements with Sir James Sandilands of Slamannan. This Sir James was the legal guardian of the heir.

James Sandilands is believed to have died in 1579. His grand-nephew, also named James Sandilands of Calder, took over his title. Janet Murray died on November 29, 1596. Some history books have mistakenly used this date as James's death.

The title of 'Lord Torphichen' went to the grandson of James's older brother. This grandson, born in 1574, became the 2nd Lord Torphichen. From then on, the titles of feudal baron of Calder and Lord Torphichen were joined. They have been passed down together to the present day.