Richard Maitland facts for kids

Sir Richard Maitland of Lethington and Thirlstane (1496 – 1 August 1586) was an important Scottish figure. He was a Senator of the College of Justice, which was like a high court. He also served as an Ordinary Lord of Session from 1561 to 1584. Besides his legal work, he was a well-known Scottish poet.

Richard Maitland became the owner of his family's lands, Lethington and Thirlstane, in 1515. His father, Sir William Maitland, had died in the Battle of Flodden. Richard also held important political jobs. He was the Keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland and the Keeper of the Privy Seal of Scotland from 1563 to 1567. These roles involved looking after important government documents and seals. His son, Sir John Maitland, took over the Privy Seal job after him.

Sir Richard Maitland married Mariotta (or Margaret) Cranstoun. They had three sons and four daughters.

Maitland's Family

• William Maitland of Lethington: He became the Secretary of State for Mary, Queen of Scots. This was a very important role in the government.
• Sir John Maitland: He followed in his father's footsteps and became the Lord Chancellor of Scotland. This was the highest legal office in the country.
• Thomas Maitland: He was also a writer.
• Isabella Maitland: She married Sir James Heriot of Traboun.
• Marie: She was known for writing down poems.
• Elizabeth: She married William Douglas of Whittinghame.
• Helen Maitland: She married John Cockburn of Clerkington.

The Maitland Manuscripts

Pages from The Maitland Quarto Manuscript held by the Pepys Library. You can see Maitland's signature.

Sir Richard Maitland helped save many old Scottish poems and writings. Two of his special books, called the Maitland Manuscripts, still exist today. These books are collections of Scottish literature from his time. They contain many works by famous Scottish poets, known as "makars." They also include many poems by unknown writers.

What's really cool is that these manuscripts also have many of Maitland's own poems. His daughter, Marie, played a big part in this. She carefully copied down her father's poems, as well as those by her brother John and other writers. These important manuscripts are now kept safe at the Pepys Library.