John Stewart (constable of Stirling Castle) facts for kids
John Stewart was a Scottish soldier who worked for James VI of Scotland, the king. He was in charge of Stirling Castle, a very important royal castle. People often called him "Master John Stewart," which might mean he went to a university and had a good education.
In 1576, John Stewart made many improvements to Stirling Castle. He fixed parts of the castle and even added a new wooden walkway, called a gallery. This gallery was on the west side of the Palace within the castle. At this time, young King James VI lived in the castle. He was looked after by Annabell Murray, Countess of Mar. The new gallery allowed the king to enjoy the views.
John Stewart kept detailed records of his work at Stirling Castle. These records from 1576 are still kept safe today in the National Archives of Scotland. He brought wood and roof slates to the castle by boat, using the River Forth. A blacksmith named John Cowan helped him. He made a strong iron support for a new doorway. This doorway connected the new gallery to a passage leading to rooms above the king's outer chamber.
In March 1581, John Stewart became ill. His duties at the castle were temporarily given to a gunner named Michael Gardiner. Michael Gardiner became the temporary keeper of Stirling Castle. When John Stewart got better, he got his job back on March 28. A few days later, on April 4, 1581, he signed a list of all the brass and iron cannons at the castle.
John Stewart's Family
John Stewart was married to a woman named Margaret Makstoun, also known as Maxton.
They had a son, who was also named John Stewart. This younger John Stewart worked for the king as a valet, helping him in his private rooms. He started this job in March 1573. Sadly, John Stewart the valet passed away in 1593. The king's master of work, William Schaw, arranged for his coffin to be made. The younger John Stewart's wife was Lucrece Fleming. She was the daughter of Lord Fleming. After her husband died, Lucrece married Robert Graham. He was a borderer, meaning he lived near the border between Scotland and England. Robert Graham died in 1600. King James VI wrote to an English border official, Lord Scrope, asking for help for Lucrece to get what was left for her after her husband's death.
