John Preston, Lord Fentonbarns facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Preston
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| Born | |
| Died | 14 June 1616 Edinburgh, Kingdom of Scotland
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| Occupation | Lawyer |
| Known for | Lord president of the court of session |
| Spouse(s) | Lilias Gilbert |
Sir John Preston, Lord Fentonbarns (who died in 1616), from Penicuik, was an important Scottish lawyer and judge. He eventually became the Lord President of the Court of Session, which was the highest judge in Scotland's main court.
John Preston's Life and Career
John Preston's father was an important person in Edinburgh's town government. John himself became a lawyer in Scotland before October 20, 1575. He often worked on legal cases for the Privy Council of Scotland, which was a special group of advisors to the King.
In 1595, John Preston was chosen to be a judge in the main Scottish court, called the Court of Session. He also represented King James VI at important church meetings. In 1598, he was part of a group of lawyers and church leaders who helped plan what students would learn at the University of Edinburgh.
King James VI trusted John Preston with important tasks. In 1599, the King asked him to help manage money related to Queen Anne's jewels. Preston was also one of eight people chosen in 1601 to help manage Scotland's money as part of the treasury. Because of his good work, King James VI gave John Preston and his wife, Lilias Gilbert, lands in Guthrie and Penicuik.
In 1603, Preston helped investigate a disagreement where Queen Anne wanted to take care of her son, Prince Henry. He also helped judge a trial of church leaders in 1606. In 1607, he became the vice-president of the Court of Session. Later, in 1609, he became the Lord President, the top judge of the court.
Around 1611, Preston was appointed to a special council of eight people, sometimes called the New Octavians. This group was in charge of managing all of Scotland's money and financial offices. John Preston passed away on June 14, 1616.
John Preston's Family
John Preston and his wife, Lilias Gilbert, had a son named John. This son later received a special title called a baronetcy of Nova Scotia in 1628. Through his marriage, the younger John Preston gained lands in Auchie, Fife, where a large house called Prestonhall was built. The baronetcy title no longer exists today.
John Preston's daughter, Katherine, married John Morison, who was in charge of Edinburgh's money. They were the parents of Alexander Morison, Lord Prestongrange, who also became an important legal figure.
