John Sempill, 1st Lord Sempill facts for kids
John Sempill, 1st Lord Sempill (died September 9, 1513) was an important Scottish noble. He was the first person to hold the title of Lord Sempill. This title made him a "peer," which means he was a high-ranking member of the Scottish nobility.
John Sempill's Life and Work
John Sempill started the Castle Semple Collegiate Church. This church was built near Lochwinnoch. He became the first Lord Sempill around the year 1489. This was a special title in the Peerage of Scotland.
His father, Sir Thomas, had died fighting for James III of Scotland. This happened at the Battle of Sauchieburn. John Sempill also built another chapel. It was located at Southannan in the West Kilbride area.
In 1492, Lord Sempill was sent to England. He was one of the people chosen to represent Scotland. King Henry VII of England gave him a gift of £20. This was a lot of money back then!
James IV of Scotland enjoyed visiting Lord Sempill. In 1504, the King listened to Lord Sempill's harper in Paisley. The next year, the King visited Sempill's home. It was called Eliotston. He also visited the church John Sempill had built. On July 26, 1505, the King gave 14 shillings to the "New College."
Lord Sempill was killed in a big battle. This was the Battle of Flodden in September 1513. After his death, his son William became the next Lord Sempill.
John Sempill's Family Life
John Sempill was married two times. His first wife was Margaret Colville. She was the daughter of Sir Robert Colville. Margaret passed away around 1504.
John and Margaret had several children:
- William Sempill, 2nd Lord Sempill
- Francis Sempill
- Gabriel Sempill of Ladymure and Cathcart (He died in 1547 at the Battle of Pinkie Cleugh)
- Marian Sempill
- Isabel Sempill
After Margaret died, John Sempill married Margaret Crichton. She was the daughter of James Crichton. Margaret was also the widow of Sir William Stirling of Keir.
