Patrick Gray, 6th Lord Gray facts for kids
Patrick Gray, 6th Lord Gray (died 1612), also known as Patrick, Master of Gray, was an important Scottish nobleman and politician. He lived during the time of Mary, Queen of Scots and her son, King James VI of Scotland.
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Early Life and Changes
Patrick Gray was the son of Patrick Gray, 5th Lord Gray. His mother was Barbara, daughter of William Ruthven, 2nd Lord Ruthven. Patrick grew up as a Protestant and studied at the University of Glasgow.
In 1575, he married Elizabeth Lyon, daughter of John Lyon, 8th Lord Glamis. This marriage did not last long. After it ended, Patrick traveled to France. There, he changed his religion and became a Catholic. He also became a supporter of Mary, Queen of Scots.
Political Journey
When Patrick returned to Scotland in 1583, he quickly became known as a clever politician and diplomat. He managed to get close to the young King James VI. At the same time, he worked with James Stewart, Earl of Arran to keep Mary, Queen of Scots, imprisoned. They wanted to stop her plan to share power with her son, King James.
In October 1584, Gray was given important roles. He became a Gentleman of the Privy Chamber. He also took charge of the King's wardrobe and menagerie. This meant he looked after the King's jewels, clothes, and tapestries. He also hired tailors and shoemakers for the King.
Gray's Marriages and Family
On 20 July 1585, the Master of Gray married Lady Mary Stewart. She was the daughter of Robert Stewart, 1st Earl of Orkney and a cousin of King James. Many people at court attended their wedding. Mary, Mistress of Gray, was a good friend of Jean Stewart, Countess of Argyll. In 1588, Jean left Mary some valuable clothes and scented beads in her will.
Gray thought about joining Philip Sidney in the Netherlands in April 1586. He wanted to fight against the Spanish with Scottish soldiers. However, this plan did not go ahead.
Ambassador to England
King James VI sent Gray as a Scottish Ambassador to England. He went with William Keith of Delny, Robert Melville, and Alexander Stewart. Their job was to talk with Queen Elizabeth I about the future of Mary, Queen of Scots. Sadly, their efforts were not successful.
After Mary's execution, Patrick was declared a traitor in Scotland. He was put in jail and later sent away from the country. However, King James VI forgave him in 1589. Patrick was allowed to return to Scotland and got his old jobs back. But he continued to be involved in various political plots.
Later Political Activities
In 1589, William Cecil hoped to stop King James VI from marrying Anne of Denmark. Gray wrote to Cecil that the Chancellor, John Maitland, would likely not try to stop the King's marriage plans.
In Edinburgh, people who supported the Danish marriage protested. They were against Lord Hamilton, who wanted James to marry Catherine de Bourbon. The Earl Marischal had already received money from England for his trip to Denmark to arrange the marriage. Gray still hoped James could be convinced to change his mind.
It was said that Gray met the rebel Earl of Bothwell and John Colville in July 1592. They met at a house near Dunfermline. Gray and his wife were invited to the baptism of Prince Henry at Stirling Castle in August 1594. In August 1595, Gray seemed to be looking after Prince Henry's clothes. He received a small box for the Prince's garments.
In May 1598, the Duke of Holstein, Queen Anne's brother, visited Fowlis Castle. Lord Gray was ordered by King James VI to meet him.
In November 1598, the Master of Gray traveled in France. He visited the Earl of Gowrie in Orléans. He also spoke to Catherine de Balsac, the widow of Esmé Stewart, 1st Duke of Lennox. She was worried her son, Ludovic Stewart, 2nd Duke of Lennox, was plotting with a Catholic agent. Gray was trying to help Lennox get his inheritance. He also met Henry IV of France.
In November 1600, Gray wrote about the Gowrie Conspiracy. The Ruthven family had to change their last name. Their home near Perth was renamed Huntingtower. Some people suspected Anne of Denmark was involved. Some of her household staff were removed after her child, Prince Charles, was born.
In May 1601, the Earl of Mar and Edward Bruce returned from England. They had secretly agreed that James VI would become King of England. Gray tried to gain the trust of Robert Cecil in England. However, Cecil did not share his secret plans with Gray.
Gray was also part of a group with Anne of Denmark and the Duke of Lennox. They were working against the Earl of Mar. In September 1602, Queen Anne and Gray hosted the wife of the French ambassador at Falkland Palace.
In August 1605, Gray wrote to the Earl of Salisbury. He said his son would soon come to London with his uncle, the Master of Orkney.
Patrick became the 6th Lord Gray when his father died in 1609. Patrick himself died in 1612. His son, Andrew Gray, 7th Lord Gray, took over his title.
Royal Wardrobe Expenses
The Scottish royal wardrobe spent a lot of money on fancy fabrics. King James VI used money from an annual payment from Elizabeth I. An Edinburgh merchant, Robert Jousie, and a goldsmith, Thomas Foulis, managed these accounts.
After James became King of both Scotland and England in 1604, he said that Robert Jousie and a tailor, Alexander Miller, were owed money by the Master of Gray. This was for an old debt from the 1580s. Gray sent his receipts to Lord Cecil to prove he did not owe any money.
In a letter, the Master of Gray asked for some things to be bought in London. These included a sword and a dagger with black handles. He also wanted a black feather for a woman's hat, and gold and silver thread for sewing. He asked for tapestry for two rooms and a Venice hat for his wife. Gray also requested a silver basin and jug, which should be light and only gilded on the edges. He said he would pay for everything.
Family Life
Patrick Gray married Mary Stewart on 20 July 1585. She was a daughter of Robert Stewart, 1st Earl of Orkney. Their children included:
- Elizabeth Gray (born 1586)
- Andrew Gray, who became the 7th Lord Gray
- Jean Gray (died 1639), who married John Wemyss, 1st Earl of Wemyss
- Agnes Gray, Countess of Menteith (died 1667), who married William Graham, 7th Earl of Menteith
In September 1597, Anne of Denmark was planning to visit Dundee. She wrote to Mary Stewart, Mistress of Gray, asking her to meet in Perth and travel with her to Dundee.
Literature About Gray
The author Nigel Tranter wrote a series of historical novels about Patrick, 6th Lord Gray. These books are called Lord and Master and Past Master.
