John Bothwell, Lord Holyroodhouse facts for kids
John Bothwell of Auldhamer, also known as Lord Holyroodhouse, was an important Scottish judge in the 1500s. He lived at Holyrood House in Edinburgh before it became a royal palace. He was born around 1550 and passed away in 1609.
John Bothwell's Life
John Bothwell was born in Bothwell House in Edinburgh. His father was Adam Bothwell, who was a bishop and also a judge. His mother was Margaret Murray. John came from a family of important people. His uncle, Richard Bothwell, was the leader of Edinburgh (called the Provost) when Mary Queen of Scots was queen. His grandfather, Francis Bothwell, was also a judge and a Provost of Edinburgh. John's aunt, Janet Bothwell, was the mother of the famous mathematician, John Napier.
When he was young, people called him "John Bothwell of Alhammer."
Working for the King
John Bothwell was a favorite of King James VI of Scotland. Because the King liked him, John was put in charge of Holyrood Abbey starting in 1581.
In 1593, he became a judge in a special court called the College of Justice. He took over this role from his father. At this time, he also received the title "Lord Holyroodhouse." This meant he was a high-ranking judge.
In 1594, John Bothwell did something fun! He dressed up as an Amazon warrior for a special show at Stirling Castle. This show was part of a big party to celebrate the baptism of Prince Henry, the King's son. The King also gave him a valuable diamond ring in 1595. Later that year, King James VI sent him to represent him at a baby's christening.
John Bothwell was also friends with the Laird of Buccleuch. He also wrote letters to Anthony Bacon in England. In these letters, he mentioned his relative, Mr. Kello, who was married to the famous writer Esther Inglis.
In 1607, the King made John's title, Lord Holyroodhouse, a special kind of title that could be passed down to his children.
John Bothwell passed away on November 26, 1609. People believe he was buried at Holyrood Abbey, close to where he lived. He likely shares a grave with his parents there.
His Family
John Bothwell was married to Maria or Marie Carmichael. She passed away in 1626. Her father was Sir John Carmichael.
Marie Carmichael lived in a place called Advocate's Close in Edinburgh. Her home was later replaced by a house built by William Dick of Braid. Her will, a document about her wishes after she died, mentioned a large hall with a wooden dining table and a cupboard made of pine wood.
John and Marie had a son named John Bothwell. He became the 2nd Lord Holyroodhouse. It seems he lived in Dundee instead of Edinburgh, as he became a "burgess" (a citizen with special rights) of Dundee in 1620. The title of Lord Holyroodhouse stopped being used for a while after his death in 1638. However, it was used again in the early 1700s by his descendant, Henry Bothwell, 3rd Lord Holyroodhouse.
