Nicolas Errington facts for kids
Nicolas Errington (died 1593) was an English soldier, military engineer, and important administrator. He worked for Queen Elizabeth I and often traveled to Scotland to help with military actions and important talks. His last name was sometimes spelled Arrington or Aryngton.
Early Career and Roles
Nicolas Errington started as a Captain in the army base at Berwick-upon-Tweed. This town was very important for defending England's border with Scotland. He was involved in many military operations in Scotland.
Later, Errington became the Comptroller of Works at Berwick. This meant he was in charge of building and maintaining military structures. He was also the Muster Master, or Clerk of the Check of Musters. This role involved keeping track of soldiers and their pay. He was considered one of the three most important people in command at Berwick.
In 1566, Errington gave a list of all the weapons and supplies in northern England to William Cecil, a key advisor to Queen Elizabeth. This list included guns and other military items at important castles like Berwick, Wark, Norham, Lindisfarne, Newcastle Castle, and Carlisle Castle.
Queen Elizabeth then made him the Clerk of the Ordnance in June 1566. This job meant he was in charge of military weapons and equipment. Another officer, John Bennett, was not happy about this. When Bennett became sick, Errington offered to take over his duties.
Errington also worked as a scout for the army that fought against the Northern Rebellion in 1569. This was a revolt against Queen Elizabeth in northern England. He was paid for his work and for his horsemen.
Helping in Scotland's Civil War
Scotland was going through a civil war at this time. This war was between the supporters of Mary, Queen of Scots and those who supported her young son, James VI. Errington was sent to Scotland many times to help. Mary, Queen of Scots, knew about his visits and even wrote about him.
In April 1572, Errington delivered a letter to Regent Mar, who was ruling Scotland for young King James. He also reported on fighting in Edinburgh and the capture of soldiers loyal to Mary, Queen of Scots. He noted that Mary's supporters had failed to take important castles along the Forth River.
Edinburgh Castle was held by William Kirkcaldy of Grange for Mary, Queen of Scots. Errington delivered messages from Queen Elizabeth to the castle's defenders. These messages gave them some hope. For a while, England tried to keep good relations with both sides in the Scottish civil war.
The fight to take Edinburgh Castle became known as the "Lang Siege" (Long Siege). An English army with powerful cannons was sent to Scotland to capture the castle. Errington was one of the English captains and helped with talks. Before the cannons arrived, he visited Edinburgh Castle in March 1573 to discuss surrender terms. He noticed that the castle's defenses had been made stronger.
Errington was then made Provost Marshal of the English force in Scotland. This meant he was in charge of the artillery (cannons) for the army.
Diplomatic Missions
In July 1575, Errington was sent to Scotland to discuss the Redeswire incident. This was a fight that happened between English and Scottish border guards. Errington carried a message from the diplomat Henry Killigrew. Queen Elizabeth was upset that some English officials, including Francis Russell and Sir John Forster, were being held at Dalkeith Palace in Scotland. After Errington's meeting, the Scottish ruler, Regent Morton, released most of the men.
In June 1579, Errington went to Scotland with Claude Nau, who was Mary, Queen of Scots' secretary. Nau was meant to be an ambassador to her son, King James VI. However, the Scottish court at Stirling Castle would not let Nau meet the King. This was because Mary's letter called James her "son" instead of the "King of Scotland." Errington also did not have official papers from Queen Elizabeth.
Errington spoke with King James VI in September and October 1579 at Stirling Castle and Holyrood Palace. They talked about a Scottish nobleman, Claud Hamilton, who was living in England. Errington also reported to Francis Walsingham, another of Queen Elizabeth's advisors, about different marriage plans being discussed for King James. He noted that Esmé Stewart was very popular at the Scottish court.
In November 1579, Errington was sent to James VI again. James was now 14 and officially ruling Scotland. They discussed border issues and past agreements, especially those related to the Hamilton family. Errington also brought a letter from Queen Elizabeth to Regent Morton about Claud Hamilton.
He was in Stirling in April 1580 for a meeting of Scottish nobles, but it was postponed. He spoke with King James and his tutor, Peter Young. There were rumors of a plot to take over the palace, and Esmé Stewart and his followers even barricaded themselves in their rooms at the castle.
Death
Nicolas Errington wrote his will on July 1, 1593. He passed away on December 8, 1593. After his death, people discussed who would replace him in his important roles at Berwick. Robert Bowyer eventually became the Comptroller.
