John Cockburn (died 1623) facts for kids
John Cockburn of Ormiston (died 1623) was an important Scottish lawyer and landowner. He played a key role in the government of Scotland during the time of King James VI.
Early Life and Family
John Cockburn was the son of a man also named John Cockburn of Ormiston and Alison Sandilands. His family lived at Ormiston in East Lothian, Scotland. John became the laird (or lord) of Ormiston in 1583, after his father passed away.
Working for the King
John Cockburn was a trusted advisor to King James VI. He was part of the King's Privy Council, which was a group of important people who helped the King make decisions.
When King James VI traveled to Norway and Denmark, John Cockburn was part of the special council that ruled Scotland in the King's absence. This shows how much the King relied on him.
In 1590, John Cockburn was knighted at the coronation of Anne of Denmark, who was King James's wife. Being knighted was a great honor! He was also recognized at Parliament in 1592.
A Top Judge
John Cockburn became the Lord Justice Clerk, which was a very important job. It meant he was one of the main judges in Scotland. He took over this role from Lewis Bellenden.
In 1591, King James VI asked him to question people accused of witchcraft during the North Berwick witch trials. He also questioned David Graham of Fintry about a political issue called the Spanish Blanks affair in 1593.
John Cockburn often hosted important people at his home in Ormiston. For example, in 1593, he welcomed several powerful Earls before they met with the King. He also went to Stirling Castle in 1603 to help resolve a disagreement involving Anne of Denmark and her son, Prince Henry.
He was also part of a group that checked how money was spent by the Chancellor of Scotland, John Maitland of Thirlestane. This money included funds from England and the dowry of Queen Anne.
Later Years and Family
As John Cockburn grew older, he started to lose his eyesight and found it hard to move around. Because of this, people began discussing who would take over his important role as Lord Justice Clerk.
He passed away in 1623.
John Cockburn was married twice. His first wife was Janet Home. She was the sister of Sir George Home, who was a favorite of the King. Janet Home was even invited to attend Queen Anne of Denmark's coronation!
John and Janet had several children, including:
- Patrick Cockburn, whose son George later became the laird of Ormiston.
- Margaret Cockburn, who married Patrick Sinclair, 9th Lord Sinclair.
- Catherine Cockburn, who married James MacGill.
- Helen Cockburn, who married William Hay.
- Jean Cockburn, who married John Murray and later William Lauder of Haltoun.
His second wife was Elizabeth Bellenden.
