Patrick Vans, Lord Barnbarroch facts for kids

Sir Patrick Vans of Barnbarroch (born 1529 – died 1597) was an important Scottish judge and diplomat. He worked for the King of Scotland, James VI, helping with legal matters and special missions to other countries.

Becoming a Judge and Advisor

Patrick Vans first studied to become a church leader and was the rector (a type of leader) of Wigtown. In 1568, he took over his family's lands after his older brother passed away.

In 1576, he became a judge, known as a Lord Barnbarroch, in Scotland's highest court. This court was called the College of Justice. He was knighted in 1583, which meant he received the title "Sir." By 1587, he was also a member of the Privy Council of Scotland, a group of trusted advisors to the King.

Journey to Denmark for a Royal Marriage

The First Trip in 1587

In May 1587, King James VI sent Sir Patrick Vans and another diplomat, Peter Young, on an important trip to Denmark. They traveled with 44 other people. Their main goals were to talk about the Orkney Islands and to arrange a marriage between King James VI and Princess Elizabeth of Denmark. She was the older sister of Princess Anne.

They sailed on a ship called the Lion of Leith. Sir Patrick kept a diary of his journey. He wrote about arriving in Elsinore, Denmark, on June 8, 1587. The King of Denmark, Frederick II of Denmark, was at a place called Antvorskov. The Scottish group traveled there by wagon.

However, King Frederick II was not feeling well. The Scottish ambassadors were told they could only speak with the King directly. So, they didn't have a formal meeting at that time. Princess Elizabeth later married someone else, not King James VI.

Bringing the Queen Home in 1589

King James VI still wanted to marry a Danish princess. In October 1589, Princess Anne of Denmark was sailing to Scotland to marry him, but her ships were forced back by storms. King James decided to go to Denmark himself to bring her back. Sir Patrick Vans was chosen to go with the King on this special journey.

For this trip, Sir Patrick hired a ship called the Falcon of Leith. The King himself described the Falcon as a "little ship" to Princess Anne's mother.

In Oslo, Norway (which was part of Denmark at the time), Sir Patrick signed the official marriage contract for King James and Princess Anne on November 21, 1589. Many other important Scottish people were there too. As a reward, King James gave Sir Patrick more land in Barnbarroch.

When King James decided to stay in Denmark until spring, Sir Patrick returned to Scotland. He reported the marriage news to the King's council. He arrived back in Scotland on December 15.

Later Life and Family

In the early 1590s, Sir Patrick continued to be an important advisor. He helped manage money for the King and Queen, including funds from England and Queen Anne's dowry.

Sir Patrick Vans passed away on July 22, 1597. His son, Sir John Vans, took over the family estates. Some people believe that Sir Patrick's journey to Denmark might have inspired the old Scottish song "Sir Patrick Spens".

Sir Patrick's Marriages

Sir Patrick Vans was married twice.

• His first wife was Elizabeth Kennedy. They married on August 17, 1561, in Perth. They had four daughters: Isobell, Margaret, Janet, and Grissell.
• His second wife was Katherine Kennedy. They married in 1573. Katherine was the daughter of the Earl of Cassilis. They had at least ten children together.

A Glimpse into Katherine's Life

Some of Katherine Kennedy's letters still exist today. In November 1578, her mother wrote to her, asking her to buy fancy velvet for a cloak and a marten fur to line a gown. She also wanted plain bracelets and a locket with a compass dial.

Katherine also wrote letters to the person who managed their farm, George Vaus. She gave instructions about shearing sheep and making sure farm workers spun wool. She even asked for wool to be used for a new tablecloth for her dining table. These letters show us what daily life was like for noble families in Scotland long ago.

Published Letters

Many of Sir Patrick Vans's letters and papers were collected and published in two books in 1887. These books help historians learn more about his life and times.

• Correspondence of Sir Patrick Waus of Barnbarroch, knight, volume 1
• Correspondence of Sir Patrick Waus of Barnbarroch, knight, volume 2

Family Tree

Sir Patrick had children with both his wives.

Children with Elizabeth Kennedy

• Isobell Vans
• Margaret Vans
• Janet Vans
• Grissell Vans

Children with Katherine Kennedy

• Patrick Vans (died 1649)
• Robert Vans
• Alexander Vans
• Eupheme Vans
• Elizabeth Vans
• Catherine Vans
• Jean Vans
• Florence Vans
• Mary Vans
• John Vans of Barnbarroch