John Murray, 1st Earl of Tullibardine facts for kids
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John Murray, 1st Earl of Tullibardine (died 5 July 1613) was an important Scottish nobleman. He worked for the king and was a leader of the Clan Murray.
Early Life and Royal Service
John Murray was born around 1550. His father was Sir William Murray of Tullibardine and his mother was Agnes Graham. His aunt, Annabell Murray, Countess of Mar, was also a very important person at court.
In August 1580, John's father gave up his job as the King's financial manager, called the Comptroller of Scotland. King James VI then gave this important job to John.
John Murray also served as a Master of the Household for King James VI. This meant he helped manage the king's home and daily life. His uncle, Mungo Graham, also held this role.
Life at Court and Important Events
John Murray's brother, Captain George Murray, even traveled with King James VI to Denmark in 1590.
In September 1590, John Murray and his brother-in-law, Robert Murray, visited the Laird of Glenorchy. They stayed at a place called Balloch, which is now Taymouth Castle.
King James VI often visited John Murray at his homes, Tullibardine or Gask. The King and Anne of Denmark, the Queen, even went to the wedding of John's daughter, Lilias Murray. She married John Grant on 21 June 1591. At the wedding, King James VI dressed up in a special costume and mask for a performance. The King also spent New Year's Day at Tullibardine in 1592.
In 1593, during a meeting of the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, John Murray had an argument with William Edmondstone.
John Murray also fought in the Battle of Glenlivet. This battle was against other powerful Scottish leaders, George Gordon, 1st Marquess of Huntly and Francis Hay, 9th Earl of Erroll.
The King enjoyed spending time with John Murray. In July 1595, King James VI invited the Earl of Mar to join them for a celebration at Gask. This was likely a feast for the wedding of John's daughter, Anne Murray. The King stayed at Tullibardine again in January 1598. In April 1598, the Duke of Holstein, who was the Queen's brother, visited Tullibardine. He was traveling with the Duke of Lennox.
John Murray worked to strengthen his family's position as leaders. He signed agreements in 1586 and 1599 where many other Murray family leaders recognized him as their chief.
In April 1604, John Murray was given the title of Lord Murray of Tullibardine. Then, on 10 July 1606, he became the Earl of Tullibardine. This was a very high honor from the King.
Family Life
John Murray married Catherine Drummond. They had several children:
- William Murray, 2nd Earl of Tullibardine: He later became the Earl of Atholl.
- Mungo Murray: He became Viscount Stormont.
- Patrick Murray, 1st Earl of Tullibardine: He also became an Earl of Tullibardine later on.
- Anne Murray: She married Patrick Lyon in 1595.
- Lilias Murray: She married John Grant of Freuchie in 1591.
- Jean Murray: She married Patrick Hepburn of Waughton.
- A son who sadly died in the Battle of Glenlivet in 1594.
