John Balfour of Kinloch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Balfour of Kinloch
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John Balfour (fl. 1663–1683)
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| Nationality | Scottish |
| Other names | Burly |
| Known for | His role in the death of Archbishop Sharp |
| Movement | Covenanters |
| Spouse(s) | Barbara Hackston |
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Reward amount
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10,000 merks |
| Details | |
| Victims | James Sharp |
| Date | 3 May 1679 |
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John Balfour of Kinloch was a Scottish Covenanter who lived in the 1600s. He is mainly known for his part in the death of Archbishop James Sharp in 1679. After this event, his property was taken away, and a large reward was offered for his capture.
Balfour also fought in important battles like Drumclog and Bothwell Bridge. It is believed he later escaped to Holland. There, he offered his help to the Prince of Orange.
Contents
Early Life and Challenges
John Balfour was a farmer from Kinloch, in the area of Fife, Scotland. People often called him 'Burly'. He was described as a strong, fierce-looking man with a squint.
In the 1670s, Balfour was a follower of field-preachers. These were religious leaders who held services outdoors. At the time, attending such meetings, called conventicles, was against the law. Balfour did not show up in court when ordered to. Because of this, an arrest warrant was issued for him.
His brother-in-law, David Hackston, was also a Covenanter. In 1667, Balfour and other Covenanters were meeting secretly. Soldiers tried to capture them, but the Covenanters fought back. They managed to make the soldiers leave.
The Death of Archbishop Sharp
In 1678, the government increased its actions against non-conformists. These were people who did not follow the official church. Thousands of soldiers were sent to Covenanter areas as punishment.
Archbishop James Sharp was a key figure in these actions. Many Covenanters believed he had been unfair to them. On May 3, 1679, a group of nine Covenanters, including John Balfour, were waiting at Magus Muir. They had planned to stop the Sheriff of Cupar, who was known for persecuting Covenanters.
However, the Sheriff did not show up. Instead, Sharp's coach appeared on the road. The group stopped the coach. Sharp was killed during this encounter, in front of his daughter.
Two of the Covenanters, Hackston and Andrew Guillan, were later captured. They were executed for their part in the event. Another, William Dingwall, died in battle a month later. The other six, including Balfour, were never caught. Balfour is thought to have escaped to Holland.
What Happened to Balfour?
It is commonly thought that John Balfour of Burley died at sea. This would have happened on a trip back to Scotland. However, some stories suggest he never left Scotland at all.
One account says he found a safe place in Roseneath, Dumbartonshire. He supposedly lived there under the protection of the Argyll family. This story claims he changed his name to Salter. His family then lived in that area for many generations. The last person in this family line died in 1815.
Some records mention a Lieutenant-Colonel Balfour de Burleigh in 1808. He was a commander for the King of Holland's troops in the West Indies. However, it is not certain if this was the same John Balfour. Historians still debate what truly happened to him.
Balfour's Family Life
John Balfour of Kinloch was born around 1640. His parents were John Balfour and Grizzel Hay. Grizzel was the daughter of Hay of Paris, in Perthshire.
John Balfour of Kinloch married Barbara Hackston. She was the sister of David Hackston of Rathillet, who was also a Covenanter. After the events of 1679, Balfour's property was taken away. It was then given to Lord Lindores.
Balfour in Literature
The famous writer Sir Walter Scott wrote about a character named "John Balfour of Burley" in his novel Old Mortality. This character is based on John Balfour of Kinloch.
However, Scott's character is sometimes confused with another person. This was John Balfour, 3rd Lord Balfour of Burleigh. The Lord Balfour of Burleigh was traditionally called a "Covenanter," but he actually was not one. Scott's book helped to create this confusion.
