Nageir the Moor facts for kids

Nageir the Moor was a person of African heritage who worked for the Scottish royal family. In the 1500s, the word "moor" was often used to describe people from Africa. Nageir was an important part of the Scottish court, especially serving James Stewart, 1st Earl of Moray, who was the ruler of Scotland at the time.

Who Was Nageir the Moor?

Nageir the Moor was a servant at the Scottish royal court during the 16th century. He worked for James Stewart, 1st Earl of Moray, who was the half-brother of Mary, Queen of Scots. Moray was also the Regent of Scotland, meaning he ruled the country while the true monarch was too young or absent.

Life at the Royal Court

In February 1568, Regent Moray bought new clothes for Nageir. This happened shortly after Moray returned from England. A tailor named John Murdoch made cloaks and trousers for Nageir and four other servants. Nageir's cloak had velvet around the neck.

Clothes and Companionship

Nageir was a riding companion for Regent Moray and his wife, Agnes Keith, Countess of Moray. He dressed in special outfits, just like the other servants who rode with the royal family. In December 1569, John Murdoch made Nageir a coat and hose (tights) from fine purple cloth. He also received a canvas doublet (a type of jacket) and a new hat.

Where Did Nageir Come From?

It's possible Nageir worked for Mary, Queen of Scots, before serving Regent Moray. After Moray became Regent, he bought clothes for some of Mary's old servants. However, Nageir's name isn't on a list of her pages from March 1567.

Nageir might have arrived in Scotland with Regent Moray on August 9, 1567. Moray was returning from France at that time. He stayed in Dieppe, France, while waiting for his ship. There were African people living in Dieppe during this period. Some had been brought there by Spanish ships.

Leaving Scotland

Nageir worked at the Scottish court until Regent Moray was killed. Moray was assassinated while riding through Linlithgow on January 23, 1570. After Moray's death, Nageir's time at court ended.

Records from Moray's funeral show what happened to Nageir next. From January 27 to April 26, 1570, Nageir and another former servant, Pier Antweyne, stayed in a house in Edinburgh. Nageir received a new cloak-coat, trousers, another canvas doublet, new hats, and three pairs of shoes. Nageir and Pier then sailed from Leith to Dieppe. Once they arrived in Dieppe, they were given 40 Francs (a type of money). Nothing else is known about what happened to them after that.

Images for kids

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  Nagier worked for James Stewart, 1st Earl of Moray and Agnes Keith

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  Nageir may have been riding with Regent Moray when he was assassinated in Linlithgow