John Mowbray of Barnbougle facts for kids
John Mowbray of Barnbougle was an important Scottish landowner. He lived a long time ago and was a strong supporter of Mary, Queen of Scots.
About John Mowbray's Family
John Mowbray's father was named Robert Barton. His grandfather, also Robert Barton, was a very important person called the Comptroller of Scotland. This meant he managed the country's money.
John's father married a woman named Barbara Mowbray. She was an heiress, meaning she inherited a lot of land and wealth. Because of this marriage, John's father took the Mowbray family name. He passed away in 1538. John Mowbray was born to his father's second wife, Elizabeth Crawford.
John Mowbray's Life and Work
John Mowbray owned lands that included Barnbougle Castle. This castle is located near Cramond Island and the city of Edinburgh. His family name can also be spelled "Moubray." In French writings, he was sometimes called Sieur Bouquel or Baron de Barnestrudgal.
Mowbray tried to use old rules to capture Portuguese ships. These rules were called "Letters of Marque." They had been given to his family, the Bartons, a long time ago. A famous privateer named Andrew Barton also used these rights. However, the Scottish Parliament stopped these rights in 1563.
He was part of a group of people, called a jury, who made a decision about the Earl of Bothwell. This jury decided that Bothwell was not guilty of the death of Lord Darnley.
After a long fight called the "lang siege" of Edinburgh Castle in 1573, Mowbray tried to help his brother-in-law. His brother-in-law was William Kirkcaldy of Grange. Mowbray offered a lot of money and some of Mary, Queen of Scots's valuable jewels to save Kirkcaldy's life. He presented this offer to the leader of Scotland at the time, Regent Morton.
John Mowbray traveled to other countries like London and Paris. He also wrote letters to important people, including Francis Walsingham. Two of John Mowbray's daughters worked for Mary, Queen of Scots when she was in England.
Later, in 1586, Mowbray went to London again. He wanted to ask Elizabeth I to spare Mary, Queen of Scots's life. He also wanted to help free some of Mary's helpers. After Mary was executed, he worked to get her servants, including his own daughters, released.
John Mowbray's Family and Children
John Mowbray was married to Elizabeth, also known as Elspeth Kirkcaldy. She was the sister of William Kirkcaldy of Grange, who passed away in 1573. John and Elizabeth had several children:
- Robert Mowbray: During a time of fighting in Scotland in 1572, Robert tried to take over Dundas Castle. Because of this, John Mowbray was put in prison. His home, Barnbougle Castle, was then guarded by the King's soldiers. Much later, around 1614, Robert Mowbray sold Barnbougle Castle to Thomas Hamilton, 1st Earl of Haddington.
- Francis Mowbray (died 1593): Francis was known for being involved in secret plans. He offered to help Mary, Queen of Scots, in 1580 and carried important letters for her.
- Agnes Mowbray: She married Robert Crichton of Eliock.
- Elizabeth Mowbray: She married Archibald Napier of Merchiston and Edinbellie. They were the ones who built Lauriston Castle.
- Marion Mowbray
- Barbara Mowbray (1556-1616): She married Gilbert Curle, who was a secretary for Mary, Queen of Scots. Barbara passed away in a city called Antwerp.
- Gillis Mowbray: She also worked for Mary, Queen of Scots. It is believed that Gillis owned the famous Penicuik Jewels.
