John Clerk (merchant) facts for kids

John Clerk (1611–1674) was a Scottish businessman. He is famous for keeping a huge collection of family papers. These important documents are now stored in Scotland's national archives and library.

Who Was John Clerk?

John Clerk was born in Montrose, Scotland, in 1611. His father, William Clerk, was also a merchant. John was a very smart and adventurous person.

In 1634, he moved to Paris, France. There, he became very wealthy in just a few years. He returned to Scotland in 1646. He then bought the land and title of Penicuik in Midlothian. This place has been the home of his family ever since.

John Clerk also bought many paintings in Paris. Some of these came from the famous Cardinal Richelieu's collections. He sold these artworks to important people in Scotland. One of his customers was the Earl of Lothian.

Building His Home at Penicuik

Newbiggin House was later replaced by Penicuik House.

John Clerk made his home at Newbiggin House in Penicuik. This was a strong, fortified house. It was built near where Penicuik House stands today. Clerk made the old house bigger and better. He got advice from a mason named John Thomson.

He had a new oven built using special tufa stone. This stone came from North Berwick. The same type of stone was used for ovens at Holyroodhouse in the 1500s. A carpenter, James Sandelands, made drawers for his wardrobe. He also made frames for his pictures.

Some colorful wool wall hangings were made for the house. They were woven in the Canongate by James Crommie. In 1658, Clerk hired Willie Gray to put slates on the roof. Clerk called him "a deceiving cobbling knave," meaning he wasn't happy with his work.

In 1672, Clerk built a new dovecote at Newbiggin. This was a building for doves. He paid Thomas Cosh to bring and feed doves. These doves came from nearby farms and from small nesting spots in Clerk's own house.

Supplies and Workers

Nails for his building projects came from two women. They were called "nail wives," Elspeth and Isobell Fermer. Clerk bought plum and ash trees for his garden and orchards. These trees came from Matthew Mitchell in Dalkeith.

He also hired a shoemaker, Thomas Robb. Robb would stay at Newbiggin and make shoes for the whole family. In 1670, Clerk wrote that he paid Robb "too much." He thought Robb was "but a faking rascal."

Clerk even went to the weddings of his servants. These weddings took place at the church in Penicuik. He wrote down how much he spent on food and fun "at the brydell." This was for himself and his family. For example, in 1672, he paid 12 shillings for several women at a wedding.

John Clerk's Family Life

In 1647, John Clerk married Mary Gray. She was the fourth daughter of Sir William Gray. They had five sons and five daughters together. Mary had her own study at Newbiggin. She also kept a book of household expenses, but this book is now lost.

Through this marriage, the Clerk family received the "Penicuik Jewels." People believe these jewels once belonged to Geillis Mowbray. She was a friend of Mary, Queen of Scots.

On January 27, 1670, John Clerk married his second wife. Her name was Elizabeth Johnston. They were married at Trinity College Kirk in Edinburgh.

When John Clerk passed away in 1674, his oldest son took over. His son became Sir John Clerk, 1st Baronet.

See also

• Clerk baronets