John Bellenden (Lord Justice Clerk) facts for kids

Sir John Bellenden of Auchnole and Broughton (who passed away on 1 October 1576) was an important Scottish official. Before 1544, he was in charge of the Chancery, which handled official documents. On 25 June 1547, he became the Lord Justice Clerk, a top legal position, taking over from his father, Thomas Bellenden. John was given the title of knight before April 1544.

Who Was Sir John Bellenden?

Sir John Bellenden was a key figure in Scotland during a time of big changes. He worked closely with the Scottish government and even with Mary, Queen of Scots. He was involved in many important events that shaped Scotland's future.

Important Jobs and Missions

Sir John had many important roles during his career. He helped make peace, managed money, and represented Scotland in big discussions.

Helping with Peace Treaties

Sir John Bellenden worked with Sir Robert Carnegie to create a peace agreement with English officials. This agreement was about keeping the Scottish border peaceful near Berwick upon Tweed.

In 1555, Sir John checked the money spent on forts built by Mary of Guise at Inchkeith. Mary of Guise was the Queen Regent of Scotland at the time.

He was also a representative for a peace treaty with Anna of Oldenburg. This treaty was signed in Aberdeen on 19 October 1556. Later, Mary, Queen of Scots confirmed it on 26 September 1557.

Sir John was chosen to discuss the French army leaving Scotland. He did this on behalf of the Lords of the Congregation. This was part of the Treaty of Edinburgh.

Working for the Queen Regent

In July 1567, Sir John Bellenden was at the special event where King James VI of Scotland was crowned in Stirling.

Later, in February 1572, during a time of civil war in Scotland, Regent Mar sent Sir John and Robert Colville to welcome two English ambassadors in Edinburgh. They were invited to supper.

A Family Connection to History

Sir John's brother, Patrick Bellenden, was present when David Rizzio was killed at Holyrood Palace. Rizzio was a private secretary to Mary, Queen of Scots.

Sir John Scot of Scotstarvet, who wrote in the 1600s, said that Sir John Bellenden was very successful. He gained a lot of land and wealth. He left a large estate to his oldest son, Sir Lewis. This included the area of Broughton, and control over parts of Canongate and North Leith. He also owned other lands like Auchnoul and Woodhouslie. To his son from his third marriage, he left lands in Linlithgowshire and Fife.

His Family Life

Sir John Bellenden was married three times.

His first wife was Marion (or Margaret) Scott. They had three daughters. Two of them passed away when they were young. The third daughter, Marion (who died in 1604), married John Ramsay of Dalhousie. This wedding likely happened in October 1564, near Edinburgh.

His second wife was Barbara Kennedy. She was the daughter of Sir Hugh Kennedy of Girvanmains. Barbara was a lady-in-waiting to the Queen Regent, Mary of Guise. Mary of Guise even helped with Barbara's dowry (money or property given by the bride's family). They signed their marriage contract on 30 September 1555.

His Children and Their Futures

Sir John and Barbara Kennedy had four sons and one daughter:

• Sir Lewis Bellenden of Auchnole & Broughton, who became Lord Justice Clerk like his father.
• Adam Bellenden, who became a Bishop of Aberdeen.
• William Bellenden, who was a church official (Vicar) in Kilconquhar.
• Thomas Bellenden of Kilconquhar, who became a judge (Senator) in the College of Justice.
• Annabella Bellenden, who married Sir Alexander Lauder of Haltoun. He was a high sheriff for Edinburghshire.

Sir John's third marriage took place in January 1565.