John Sempill of Beltrees facts for kids

John Sempill (born around 1540, died 1579) was an important person at the Scottish royal court. He was married to Mary Livingston, who was one of the "Four Maries." These four young noblewomen grew up alongside Mary, Queen of Scots.

John Sempill's Early Life

John Sempill was the son of Robert Sempill, 3rd Lord Sempill and Elizabeth Carlyle. His father, Robert, was sent away from Scotland and France in 1540. He found a safe place to stay in Carlisle, England, near the Scottish border.

Even though Robert Sempill had a wife and other children, he had three children with Elizabeth Carlyle. John was the oldest of these three children. Elizabeth Carlyle came from a family in Dumfries, Scotland, but her family had roots in Carlisle, England.

When King James V died, Robert Sempill was allowed to return to Scotland. He left Elizabeth and their three children in Carlisle. Robert had to ask for special permission to bring his children from England to Scotland. This request was quickly approved.

Moving to Scotland

John and his two sisters then joined their father in Scotland. Elizabeth Carlyle also moved to Scotland, possibly at the same time as her children. Their births were officially recognized on August 24, 1546.

It is not clear how long John stayed at Castle Sempill. He was sent to live in the household of Mary of Guise when he was quite young. Mary of Guise was the mother of Mary, Queen of Scots.

Life at the Scottish Royal Court

John also served Mary, Queen of Scots when she was living in France. This opportunity likely came through Mary of Guise. She traveled to France in October 1550 and returned to Scotland a year later.

In October 1560, the Lords of the Congregation attacked Castle Semple. John's father, Robert, took John, who was nearly an adult, and traveled to France. They went to meet Robert's cousin, Thomas Crawford of Jordanhill. Robert and Thomas were not just relatives; they were also fellow soldiers. They had both fought in the Battle of Pinkie and were captured by the English.

After being released, Thomas Crawford went to France. He became a guard for King Francis II and his wife, Mary, Queen of Scots. Mary arrived in France around August 1548. She was with her guardian, Alexander Livingston, 5th Lord Livingston, and four young noble girls. These girls were her friends and maids of honor, and all four were named Mary.

Meeting Mary Livingston

One of these maids was Lord Livingston's daughter, Mary Livingston. She was nicknamed 'Lusty' and caught the eye of young John Sempill. This eventually led to their marriage. They might have met earlier when John visited Mary of Guise. However, they were too young for any romantic feelings at that time.

Events moved quickly after John and his father arrived in France. King Francis II became ill in November and died by December 5. By March, Robert Sempill was allowed to return to Scotland. He and John likely returned with Queen Mary and Mary Livingston.

Marriage and Royal Gifts

The Scottish Reformation was happening at this time. Its leader, John Knox, often spoke against the Queen. He called John Sempill "Sempill the dancer." When John and Mary Livingston's marriage was announced, Knox spread a false rumor that they had to marry because Mary was expecting a child.

Queen Mary held a grand wedding for John and Mary that lasted three days. The Queen also gave them many generous gifts. These included a fancy bed, jewels, and the lands of Auchtermuchty.

John's grandfather, William, had received the lands of Beltrees in 1545. These lands were in Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire. Beltrees became John Sempill's property, and he became known as John Sempill of Beltrees.

As a married woman, Mary Livingston was no longer a maid of honor. However, she remained a favorite at court. She continued to serve the Queen as a Lady-in-waiting. She was also in charge of the Queen's jewels and furs.

John and Mary were at the Palace of Holyroodhouse when David Riccio was murdered in the Queen's room. Immediately after the murder, Queen Mary asked Mary Livingston to have John remove a box from David Riccio's room. This box contained the Queen's secret letters and codes. John's father, Robert, was guarding the room at the time.

John and Mary were also with Queen Mary at Lochleven Castle. John even helped Queen Mary escape from the castle.

John Sempill and the Civil War

John Sempill remained loyal to Queen Mary. However, his father, Lord Sempill, fought against the Queen's supporters at the battle of Langside. After Queen Mary fled to England, Scotland entered a period of conflict called the Marian Civil War. John Sempill found himself in a difficult political situation.

In November 1570, Regent Moray demanded that jewels belonging to the Queen be given to him. He ordered John Sempill to be held in Blackness Castle. In 1573, Regent Morton wanted help from England to attack Edinburgh castle. He sent several sons of Scottish Lords, including John, to Queen Elizabeth I as hostages. This was to ensure that the Scots would behave well and that the English army would return safely. John, who was always loyal to Queen Mary, did not want to be a hostage.

John Sempill and Regent Morton

Robert, Lord Sempill, died between 1574 and 1576. The title of Sheriff would normally go to his grandson Robert, who was only about six years old. Instead, John became Sheriff. However, this did not protect him from Regent Morton.

In 1577, Regent Morton tried to take back a piece of land that Queen Mary had given to Mary Livingston and John Sempill. This land was a reward for their good service. Morton argued that the gift was not valid because royal lands could not be given away. John Sempill argued that it was a clear gift with royal seals.

Morton was both involved in the case and a judge. John Sempill became very angry and said that if he lost the case, he would lose his life too. His uncle, Whitefuird of Milntoune, also became angry. These angry words spoken outside of court gave Regent Morton a reason to act against them.

John Sempill was taken to Edinburgh. A rumor was spread that John and his uncle had been hired to murder the Regent. John Sempill was questioned and confessed to the accusation. However, he was later pardoned and released.

John Sempill died on April 25, 1579. This information comes from his will, which was recorded in 1582. His will mentioned his wife, Mary Livingston, and their children: Arthur, John, and Dorothy. His eldest son, James Sempill, was not mentioned, likely because he had already been provided for.