Michael Gardiner (soldier) facts for kids
Michael Gardiner was an important Scottish artilleryman, or gunner, who lived in the 1500s. He was mostly based at Stirling Castle, a famous castle in Scotland. His job was to manage and use cannons, which were very powerful weapons at the time. His last name was sometimes spelled Gardner or Gardenar.
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Michael Gardiner's Life as a Gunner
In 1538, Michael Gardiner moved from Dunbar Castle to Stirling Castle. He was paid regularly for his work there. By 1555, his pay had increased.
He was the Master Cannoner at Stirling Castle, meaning he was in charge of all the cannons. He was also a burgess of Stirling, which meant he was an important citizen of the town. In 1546, his wages and those of other castle workers were paid by Thomas Erskine of Haltoun. This money came from the lands of Mary of Guise, who was the mother of Mary, Queen of Scots.
Michael Gardiner also worked at Edinburgh Castle with another soldier, John Chisholm. They made fireworks for Mary, Queen of Scots to celebrate the baptism of her son, Prince James, at Stirling in December 1566.
Working During the Marian Civil War
During the Marian Civil War, a conflict in Scotland, Michael Gardiner and his son Robert supported Regent Lennox. Regent Lennox was against Mary, Queen of Scots. Gardiner's old colleagues, however, supported the Queen and were based at Edinburgh Castle.
In May 1571, Gardiner helped move cannons from Stirling to Edinburgh. In October 1571, he was paid for fixing cannons at Stirling. He also moved a large cannon from Glasgow to Stirling. These guns were then sent to Leith. His son, Robert Gardiner, traveled to Perth, Dundee, and Broughty to buy iron, wood, and cannonballs. These supplies were used in the Canongate area of Edinburgh. In November, Gardiner's helper, David Haliburton, took cannonballs by boat from Leith to Blackness Castle.
In August 1572, Michael took apart some artillery and sent it to Stirling in six boats. Robert Gardiner was sent to Berwick with a letter for Lord Hunsdon.
After the long siege of Edinburgh Castle ended in June 1573, Gardiner took apart the large cannons used against the castle. He moved them to Holyrood Palace and then to Leith. He was paid for all the ropes, cables, and other equipment he used.
Later Years and Important Battles
In 1579, the Hamilton family faced consequences for supporting Queen Mary. They had also been involved in the murders of two regents, Regent Moray and Regent Lennox. The Hamilton family strengthened their homes, including Craignethan Castle and Cadzow Castle.
Michael Gardiner led the attack on Cadzow Castle, bombarding it with cannons. The castle fell on May 19, 1579. Gardiner received a reward for his efforts. The castle was later partly destroyed by Captain Thomas Craufurd.
His Death and What He Left Behind
In March 1581, Michael Gardiner became the temporary keeper of Stirling Castle. This happened when the main keeper, Mr John Stewart, was ill. An important note from 1581 said that "Michaell knows everything in the place." This meant he knew all about the weapons and equipment belonging to the King and to Lord of Mar. In April 1581, a list was made of all the brass and iron cannons and gunners' tools.
Michael Gardiner died on May 3, 1584. He had made his will in 1579. His will showed that the king owed him money for unpaid wages. He had also borrowed money from his wife's relatives in Stirling. Among his belongings were a special case with tools for his job, rulers made of brass, iron, and wood, and important papers about his work.
His will also listed his military clothes and weapons. These included a hat, spurs, a helmet, a small knife on a belt, a sword, a bag, a powder horn, armor, and a halberd (a type of spear).
Michael Gardiner's Family
In 1584, Michael Gardiner's pension, which he had received since 1534, was given to his widow, Margaret Ray.
Some of their children also became gunners:
- Robert Gardiner was a gunner at Stirling Castle from 1570. In August 1571, Regent Lennox sent him to get a cannon from Broughty Castle. He died in 1582.
- Crystal Gardiner was also a gunner at Stirling Castle. He died in 1582.
- Archibald Gardiner was a gunner at Edinburgh Castle. In 1584, he was given a house in Stirling.
- James Gardiner became a gunner at Stirling Castle in 1582, taking over from his brother Robert. He became Master Cannoner on October 1, 1584, after his father died. James Gardiner took cannons to Kirkwall in 1615 to attack the Earl of Orkney. He also brought ammunition to Leith in 1589 to celebrate the arrival of Anne of Denmark.
Michael Gardiner also had another son named Christian and a daughter named Helen.
