John Tennent (courtier) facts for kids
John Tennent was a special helper and friend to King James V of Scotland. He lived around the 1500s. John kept track of the king's daily spending. This record is super important for learning about the Scottish royal court back then.
Life at the Royal Court
John Tennent had two main jobs at the king's court. He was the king's "pursemaster" and also a "yeoman of the wardrobe." In 1529, he received special clothes as a servant in the king's own room.
As pursemaster, John went with the king every day. He paid the king's small bills. He also gave money that the king wanted to give as gifts or tips. This included money for workers and people asking for help. The Treasurer of Scotland gave John and other pursemasters money for the king's purse.
His other big job was in the wardrobe. The wardrobe was like a huge closet and clothing department. It had about 40 people working there. There were people who embroidered, tailors, and laundry staff. There were also people who handled tapestries. Carts moved clothes, tapestries, and fancy cloths between the palaces. John received linen for bed sheets and the king's shirts. He also bought canvas to protect the king's gowns.
John Tennent was also in charge of the Honours of Scotland. These are Scotland's crown jewels. In March 1539, he ordered a new case for a sword. This might have been a special sword sent by Pope Paul III. That sword is now lost.
In September 1539, King James V and Mary of Guise went hunting. They hunted in places like Glenartney and Glen Finglas. John Tennent hired men and horses from Dunblane. They brought bedding from Stirling for the king and queen.
At St Andrews on May 19, 1540, King James V gave money to two Dutchmen. They played music and danced for him by the sea. The king also paid twice for farm animals. These animals were accidentally killed by a new type of portable gun called a culverin. John Tennent was also skilled with a crossbow. In November 1540, he became the keeper of Holyroodhouse palace and its park.
Trip to France
In 1536, King James V traveled to France. He went to meet a possible future queen, Marie de Vendôme. She was the daughter of Charles, Duke of Vendôme. They met at St. Quentin.
There's a famous story from this trip. It says that King James told John Tennent to pretend to be him. They even swapped clothes! This fun story appears in several old books from the 1500s. Some writers mentioned the disguise. One writer, John Lesley, even named John Tennent.
John Tennent was definitely on this trip to France. He even had a small diplomatic job. In February 1537, James sent him with letters and messages. These were for Henry VIII of England and Cromwell. But it seems John Tennent was not welcomed very well. King James's mother, Margaret Tudor, even wrote about it.
King James came back from France with Madeleine of Valois as his queen. John Tennent helped bring their luggage from Leith to Holyroodhouse.
After King James V's Death
In September 1538, King James V went hunting at Cramalt Tower. John Tennent brought bedding from Linlithgow Palace. Another servant brought tents for the king's group.
John Tennent was present when King James V died at Falkland Palace. After the king's death, John followed instructions from Regent Arran and Cardinal Beaton. He gave away many items from the king's wardrobe and armoury. These items went to people they favored. A list of these gifts still exists today. For example, the king's old lawyer received some armour. This included a special helmet and two swords.
Family Life
John Tennent married Mause Atkinson. Her other names were Mavis or Marion Acheson. She had been the king's laundress since 1516. Records show she received barrels of soap. She used this soap to wash the king's table linens. She also made linen items for the king, like nightcaps.
John's property was called Listonshiels. It was in the area of Kirkliston. This land belonged to Torphichen Preceptory. As a reward for his good service, John paid less rent for his land. He only paid £6. Another servant, Robert Hamilton, had a similar special deal.
John and Mause did not have any children who lived. So, by 1549, Listonshiels went to John's brother, Patrick Tennent. Patrick Tennent was married to Elizabeth Hoppar. Elizabeth's sister, Katrine Hoppar, was married to Andrew Moubray (III). He was a merchant from Edinburgh who built Moubray House.
