John Murray, 1st Earl of Annandale facts for kids

John Murray, 1st Earl of Annandale (who died in 1640) was an important Scottish nobleman and politician. He worked closely with the kings of Scotland and England during a time when the two countries were becoming more connected.

Early Life and Royal Service

John Murray was also known as John Murray of Lochmaben or Lincluden. He came from a noble Scottish family, being the sixth son of Sir Charles Murray of Cockpool.

He began his career working for royalty at a young age. First, he was a page (a young attendant) for Anne of Denmark, who was the Queen of Scotland and later England. After that, he became a "Groom of the Bedchamber" for James VI of Scotland. This was a trusted position, meaning he was a personal attendant to the King.

In 1603, King James VI of Scotland also became King James I of England. This event is known as the Union of the Crowns. John Murray moved to London with the King. He became a key person for Scottish people who needed to talk to the King or get things done at court. Many letters and requests sent to him still exist today.

Life in England and New Roles

King James rewarded John Murray for his loyalty and hard work. He received properties in England, including Plumpton Park in Cumbria in 1605. He also received a yearly payment from the Queen.

In 1609, the King gave him money to fix an old building called Guildford Black Friary near a royal park. This shows how much the King trusted him with important tasks.

John Murray became an English citizen in 1610. In 1611, he took on another important role: Keeper of the Privy Purse. This meant he was in charge of the King's personal money.

Helping Princess Elizabeth

In 1613, Elizabeth Stuart, Queen of Bohemia, who was King James's daughter, wrote to John Murray from Germany. She had just gotten married and needed help paying for expensive jewels she had bought as gifts. She asked Murray to arrange for the Chancellor of the Exchequer (the person in charge of the country's money) to pay her jeweller. This shows that even the King's own daughter relied on John Murray for help with important matters.

Political Career and Noble Titles

John Murray also became involved in politics. In 1621, he was elected as a Member of Parliament for Guildford in England. Around this time, he also bought a large estate in Scotland called Tyninghame House.

His career continued to advance. In 1622, he was promoted to "Gentleman of the Bedchamber," an even higher position close to the King. Other important people, like the Marquess of Hamilton, spoke highly of him, calling him a "very safe man" and a "zealous servant."

King James gave him the Scottish titles of Lord Lochmaben and Viscount Annand. Later, King Charles I made him the Earl of Annandale, which was a very high noble title in Scotland. In 1623, Prince Charles (who would later become King Charles I) even visited John Murray at his home in Guildford.

Caring for Falkland Palace

John Murray continued to serve King Charles I as a Groom of the Bedchamber. He was also given the important job of Constable and Keeper of Falkland Palace and the Lomond Hills in Scotland. Falkland Palace was a favourite royal residence.

He took his role seriously. In 1615, he was told that parts of the Palace were falling apart. Later, in 1639, he helped to repair the keeper's house at Falkland, showing his dedication to maintaining royal properties.

Connections and Family Life

Many letters written to John Murray from people in Scotland still exist. These letters show that he was a key contact for Scottish people who needed to discuss politics or church matters with the King. He even delivered letters from the famous philosopher Francis Bacon to the King. People also asked him for personal favours, like a bishop who asked him to buy saddles for his wife and daughter in London because they were cheaper there.

John Murray married Elizabeth Schaw, who was also a lady-in-waiting to Queen Anne of Denmark. They had a son named James and a daughter. Their son James was born in 1617 at Holyrood Palace in Scotland. He later became the Earl of Annandale himself.

John Murray, 1st Earl of Annandale, passed away in 1640. Many of his important papers are now kept in the National Library of Scotland, helping historians understand more about his life and the times he lived in.