Lewis Bellenden facts for kids

Sir Lewis Bellenden of Auchnole and Broughton (born around 1552 – died 27 August 1591) was an important Scottish lawyer. He took over his father's job as Lord Justice Clerk on 15 March 1577. This role meant he was a top judge in Scotland.

Early Life and Career Start

Lewis Bellenden was the oldest son of Sir John Bellenden of Auchnole & Broughton and Barbara Kennedy. He became a knight around 1577, which was a special honor. At the same time, he became the Justice Clerk, a very important legal position.

In 1584, he was promoted to a new role as a Senator of the College of Justice. This meant he became one of the main judges in Scotland's highest court.

Political Involvement

Sir Lewis was involved in some big political events of his time. He was part of a group involved in the Raid of Ruthven, which was a plan to influence King James VI. Even though some people involved faced trouble, Sir Lewis continued his work in the College of Justice.

He also played a key part in the political changes that led to the Earl of Arran losing power. Sir Lewis even went to England to speak with Queen Elizabeth I, though he was secretly working for the other side!

In March 1585, he was sent as an ambassador to Queen Elizabeth I. His job was to talk about issues along the border between Scotland and England. During this trip, his servant wrote to him, saying his wife and son were well. The king also asked Sir Lewis to get a special bloodhound dog for him. He returned to Scotland in May with an English diplomat named Edward Wotton.

In November 1585, Sir Lewis was in Stirling when some Scottish lords who had been sent away returned and surprised King James VI. It was a tense situation, but Sir Lewis managed to stay safe.

Important Roles and Journeys

In 1586, Sir Lewis was put in charge of Blackness Castle. A year later, in 1587, he traveled with the King to places like Inchmurrin and Dumbarton. He was also made the Keeper of Linlithgow Castle. This meant he was responsible for looking after this important royal castle.

Sir Lewis helped the King get the support of the clergy (church leaders) for a new law in 1587. This law gave the Crown more control over church lands.

In 1589, Sir Lewis went with King James VI on a special trip to Norway. The King was going there to meet his future wife, Anne of Denmark. Sir Lewis sailed on a different ship from the King, along with other important people like John Carmichael and Peter Young.

While in Norway, King James VI wrote a letter asking an important lord to help Sir Lewis with a legal matter. The King said Sir Lewis was "a man here that I am so much beholden to at this time," showing how much he valued Sir Lewis's help.

The next spring, Sir Lewis was sent back to Queen Elizabeth's court as an ambassador. His task was to officially announce the King's wedding and ask for money to help run the royal households. He received some funds for this trip, but he returned in May 1590 without the annual payment that England usually gave to James VI.

Death and Legacy

Sir Lewis Bellenden passed away in Edinburgh on 27 August 1591, after being sick for eight days. He was buried at Holyrood Abbey on 8 September. After his death, his important jobs were given to other people.

Family Life

Sir Lewis Bellenden married Margaret Livingstone in 1581. They had three sons and two daughters. Their oldest son, Sir James Bellenden, inherited his father's lands. Two of their other sons later moved to Ulster.

Margaret, Sir Lewis's wife, was an important lady. She attended Anne of Denmark's special ceremony when she became Queen. After Sir Lewis died, Margaret worked as a gentlewoman in the households of Queen Anne and Prince Henry. She later remarried in 1596.