Michael Balfour, 1st Lord Balfour of Burleigh facts for kids
Michael Balfour, 1st Lord Balfour of Burleigh, was an important Scottish noble. He was part of the Privy Council of Scotland, a group of trusted advisors to the king. He lived in Scotland during the late 1500s and early 1600s.
Early Life and Home
Michael Balfour was the oldest son of Sir James Balfour, Lord Pittendreich. His father was a high-ranking judge in Scotland. Michael's mother was Margaret Balfour. His younger brother was James Balfour, 1st Baron Balfour of Glenawley. Michael lived at Burleigh Castle, which is near Kinross. He became a knight in 1592 when the Scottish Parliament opened.
A Time of Rebellion
In the early 1590s, Michael Balfour became involved with a rebel named Francis Stewart, 5th Earl of Bothwell. Other landowners, like John Wemyss of Logie, also supported Bothwell. At first, Balfour fought against Bothwell. He helped defend Holyrood Palace from Bothwell's attack. Later, he joined Bothwell's side. He was captured near Dalkeith Palace in August 1592. After being questioned, he was released. In October 1592, he went to England and spent time with Bothwell at Netherby Hall. He was later imprisoned in Edinburgh Castle in November 1592. It was even thought that his home, Burleigh Castle, might be torn down.
Helping the King
In December 1599, a special law made Michael Balfour quite wealthy. This law said that landowners had to buy armor from him. This was to help prepare Scotland's defenses. Some people complained that Balfour tried to make them buy too much armor. Others, like James Blackadder, already had enough. In 1598, King James VI allowed Balfour to bring weapons into Scotland from other countries. Historians believe this was to get ready for a possible war. This was important to make sure James would become the next king of England after Queen Elizabeth. In 1602, Balfour was sent to the Dutch Republic to buy weapons. These weapons were for 2,000 soldiers. They were needed to fight anyone who might try to take the king's throne. Michael Balfour became a member of the Scottish Privy Council. This was a group of important advisors to the king. In February 1604, he went to Italy. He was sent to check on Anthony Standen. Standen was supposed to announce that James was now king of both Scotland and England. But Standen got involved in plans to change the royal family's religion. In 1606, Balfour served as Scotland's Ambassador. He represented Scotland to the Grand Duke of Tuscany and the Duke of Lorraine. In 1607, he was given the title Lord Balfour of Burleigh. This made him a Scottish noble. He died in March 1619.
Family Life
Michael Balfour married Margaret Lundin in 1591. She was the daughter of William Lundin. Margaret died in 1625. His daughter, Margaret, took over his title after he passed away. Margaret Balfour married Robert Arnot. Robert then took the name Robert Balfour, 2nd Lord Balfour of Burleigh.
