Michael Gilbert (goldsmith) facts for kids

Michael Gilbert (died 1590) was a famous goldsmith and financier from Edinburgh, Scotland. He lived during an exciting time in Scottish history, working for important figures like Mary, Queen of Scots and James VI of Scotland.

Michael Gilbert's Career

Michael Gilbert came from a family of goldsmiths. His brothers, John and Alexander, and his nephew, David, also worked with gold. Because there was an older goldsmith named Michael Gilbert, he is sometimes called 'Michael II Gilbert'.

Working with the Church

During the Scottish Reformation in 1559, Michael Gilbert helped protect valuable items. He was given two silver chandeliers from St Giles' Cathedral to keep safe. Later, he even bought silver and a diamond from the church.

Making Medals and Silverware

A nobleman named George Seton, 7th Lord Seton asked Gilbert to make special gold and silver medals. These medals had mottos, which are short sayings. One motto was "UN DIEU, UN FOY, UN ROY, UN LOY," meaning "One God, One Faith, One King, One Law." Another motto was "No one can serve two masters." Lord Seton also bought many silver items from Gilbert, like plates, cups, and spoons.

Royal Goldsmith

By May 1566, Gilbert became the official master goldsmith for Mary, Queen of Scots and her husband, Lord Darnley. This important job meant he was excused from any military service. He had to stay in Edinburgh to do his royal duties.

In June 1567, the leader of Edinburgh, Simon Preston, sent Gilbert to Dunbar Castle. Gilbert went with other officials to speak with Mary, Queen of Scots. Later, in July, Gilbert was one of Edinburgh's representatives at the coronation of James VI in Stirling.

Selling Jewels to Royals

Gilbert sold many rings and other jewels to Regent Moray and his wife, Agnes Keith. These included diamond rings, ruby rings, and a gold chain with a locket. He also sold them a fancy silver jug.

During the Civil War

In May 1571, Gilbert traveled to London with a merchant named William Fowler. They carried important letters from Mary, Queen of Scots. Gilbert also offered French-made rings and lockets to the Bishop of Ross.

During the "lang siege" of Edinburgh Castle in 1572, Gilbert's house was destroyed. This happened because he supported the other side in the Marian Civil War. Many houses belonging to those who supported the young King James VI were pulled down.

Goldsmith Disputes

Regent Morton bought a gold locket from Gilbert for £22 Scots. This was a gift for Sir Thomas Musgrave, a castle captain. In 1575, Gilbert and another goldsmith, George Heriot, spoke to Regent Morton about Edward Hart. Hart wanted to be a master goldsmith but didn't meet the rules. Morton agreed to support the goldsmiths' craft rules. Hart then had to prove his skill by making a "masterpiece" in a workshop. He became a master goldsmith in December 1575.

Deacon and Royal Gifts

In June 1576, Gilbert was chosen as the Deacon of the goldsmiths, but he turned down the job. In 1579, he was one of the citizens who carried the canopy for James VI of Scotland during his special entry into Edinburgh. For this event, James VI received a gift of silver-gilt plates. Gilbert helped advise on this gift.

An Argument with a Nobleman

In 1585, James Stewart, Earl of Arran, made the people of Edinburgh watch nightly for his enemies. One night, he found Michael Gilbert and his wife in the street. Gilbert said he had sent someone else to watch for him. Arran became very angry and chased Gilbert to his house, hitting him with his stick. Because of this, the town closed its gates against Arran for a while.

Later Years

In June 1586, the Earl of Bothwell and his wife sold Gilbert rights to crops from their lands. In 1588, some fake two-pence coins were found buried in the cellar of a house Gilbert owned in Leith.

Thomas Foulis, who later became a famous goldsmith and financier, was one of Gilbert's apprentices. Gilbert and Foulis gave New Year's Day gifts to the king in January 1589. Gilbert's nephew, David Gilbert, was asked to change a jewel for Anne of Denmark when she entered Edinburgh.

Michael Gilbert passed away on 24 September 1590.

Family Life

Michael Gilbert was married twice. His first wife was Sibilla Wycht, who died in 1584. They had several children:

• Nicolas or Nicoll Gilbert (died 1609): He married Christian Hepburn. They had children named Eliazer, John, and Sibilla.
• Thomas Gilbert of Kaimes (died 1596): He married Christian Henderson. Their daughter, Sibilla Gilbert, married George Foulis, who was also a goldsmith.
• Alexander Gilbert: He married Barbara Wardlaw. Their daughter, Jonet Gilbert, married Abraham Vanson, a goldsmith from Flanders.
• Lilias Gilbert: She married Alexander Mauchane first, and then John Preston.
• Jonet Gilbert: She married Nicol Uddert.
• Marion Gilbert: She married Thomas Bannatyne first, and then Thomas Bellenden.

His second wife was Issobell Young, who was still alive after he passed away.