John Balfour, 3rd Lord Balfour of Burleigh facts for kids

John Balfour, 3rd Lord Balfour of Burleigh (born after 1606 – died 1696/97) was a Scottish nobleman. He grew up and studied in France. People sometimes confused him with another famous person, John Balfour of Kinloch, who was a Covenanter. This article is about the 3rd Lord Balfour of Burleigh, not the Covenanter.

Life Story of John Balfour

John Balfour was the son of Margaret Balfour and Robert Arnot. Robert Arnot had been adopted by Michael, Lord Balfour of Burleigh. In 1606, Robert married Margaret and took the name Balfour. This allowed him to inherit Michael's lands and title.

Early Life and Marriage

When John was young, he went to France for his education. While there, he was hurt in a fight that was considered an "affair of honor." He came back home through London in early 1649. Without his father's permission, he married Isabel. She was the daughter of Sir William Balfour, who was the Constable of the Tower of London.

The young couple traveled to Scotland in March. John's father was very unhappy about the marriage. He even tried to get the marriage canceled. He asked the Church of Scotland to annul it. However, his request was not approved.

Becoming Lord Balfour

John Balfour became the Lord Balfour of Burleigh in 1663. This happened after his father passed away.

Clearing Up a Common Mix-Up

Many people have mistakenly called this Lord Balfour of Burleigh a "Covenanter." However, he was definitely not one. The writer Walter Scott helped spread this confusion. He used the name "John Balfour of Burley" for a character in his book Old Mortality.

The real "Covenanter" was John Balfour of Kinloch. He was involved in the killing of Archbishop Sharp in 1679. Because of this crime, his property was taken away. A large reward was offered for his capture. He also fought in battles like Drumclog and Bothwell Bridge. It is believed he escaped to Holland. There, he offered his help to the Prince of Orange.

Where Did He Die?

It is often thought that John Balfour of Burleigh died at sea. This was supposedly on a trip back to Scotland. However, some records suggest he might have stayed in Scotland. He may have found a safe place in Roseneath, Dumbartonshire. This was under the protection of the Argyll family.

According to this idea, he changed his name to Salter. His family lived there for many generations. The last person from this family line died in 1815.

His Family

John Balfour and his wife, Isobel, had three sons and six daughters:

• Robert, who became the 4th Lord Balfour of Burleigh. He married Lady Margaret Melville. Their son, the 5th Lord Balfour, was known for an interesting escape from prison.
• Lt.-Col. John Balfour of Fernie (died 1725). He was involved in the Jacobite rebellion of 1715.
• Henry Balfour (1708 – 1764). He was a Member of Parliament for Fife. He was also a major in the Royal Scots Greys.
• Margaret (died 1734). She married Andrew Rollo, 3rd Lord Rollo in 1670.
• Isabel, who never married.
• Emilia (born around 1658 – died 1732). She married Sir John Malcolm.
• Jean, who married George Oliphant and later Sir Robert Douglas.
• Susan, who may have married Robert Douglas.
• Anne (born 1670), who may have married Captain Robert Sinclair.

Lord Balfour died sometime between December 10, 1696, and February 27, 1697.