Patrick Hume of Polwarth facts for kids
Sir Patrick Hume (born around 1550 – died 20 May 1609) was an important Scottish landowner. He lived at Polwarth and Redbraes. He also worked for the king and was a talented poet, known as a "makar."
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Early Life and Family
Patrick Hume was born around the year 1550. His father was also named Sir Patrick Hume. His mother was Agnes Hume. Their families owned land on the east coast of Scotland. This area is located between Edinburgh and Berwick-upon-Tweed.
Patrick had six brothers and four sisters. One of his brothers, Alexander Hume, was also a poet and worked for the king.
Working for the King
Patrick Hume began working at the Scottish royal court before 1580. He became a servant in the household of King James VI. In 1580, he was given the job of attending the king when he went riding or out into the field.
A Poet at Court
Sir Patrick Hume is famous for being part of the Castalian Band. This was a group of poets who wrote in the Scots language. King James VI led this group in the 1580s and 1590s.
Only two of Patrick Hume's poems are known today:
- The Promine (1580): This was his first published poem. It praised King James VI.
- The Flyting Betwixt Montgomerie and Polwart (around 1583): This was a poetry contest. Patrick Hume showed he was a strong poet against Alexander Montgomerie.
Roles and Responsibilities
On 1 November 1590, Patrick Hume became a gentleman in the bedchamber of Anne of Denmark, who was the Queen. In 1591, he was made a Scottish warden of the Marches. This meant he helped keep order along the border with England.
From 1592, Hume was in charge of Bonkill for King James VI. He was told to use money from the Bonkill lands to pay the king's huntsman. He also helped look after Tantallon Castle for three months.
In March 1602, he became a Master of Household for Queen Anne of Denmark. This was an important role in her royal staff. He promised to be loyal to the Chancellor. In November 1602, the Queen asked him to make sure her embroiderer received daily food, coal, and candles.
Patrick Hume was made a knight around 1605. He was also a juror in a trial in 1606. This trial was about some church ministers who disagreed with King James's plans.
Family Life
Patrick Hume married Juliana Ker. Her father was Sir Thomas Ker of Ferniehirst. Juliana was also the half-sister of Robert Carr, 1st Earl of Somerset, who was a favorite of King James.
After Patrick's death, Juliana Ker married Thomas Hamilton, 1st Earl of Haddington in 1613. She passed away in March 1637.
Patrick and Juliana had several children, including:
- Sir Patrick Hume (died 1648)
- Thomas Hume of Coldstream
- George Hume of Kimmerghame
- Elizabeth Hume, who married James Carmichael
See also
