Robert Anstruther (soldier) facts for kids

Robert Anstruther was a Scottish soldier who served two important queens: Mary of Guise and her daughter, Mary, Queen of Scots. He played a role in managing castles and fortresses in Scotland during the 1500s.

Robert Anstruther's Career

Robert Anstruther was likely from a family in Anstruther in Fife.

Working for Mary of Guise

Anstruther wrote a letter to Mary of Guise, who was ruling Scotland at the time. In the letter, he suggested that two soldiers should be promoted. This letter was probably written between 1554 and 1560.

Serving Mary, Queen of Scots

In July 1561, Mary, Queen of Scots, was in France. She ordered Anstruther to take control of Dunbar Castle from its French keeper. He was also told to take command of the fortress on Inchkeith Island.

Anstruther traveled from France to Edinburgh, arriving on August 14, 1561. He brought the important news that Mary, Queen of Scots, was returning to Scotland after living in France for 13 years. He also carried his official papers to become captain of Inchkeith and Dunbar Castle.

Fixing Inchkeith Fortress

On September 12, 1561, Anstruther went to Inchkeith Island to repair the fortress there. This fortress had been built for Mary of Guise in 1555. He brought a Master of Work, William MacDowall, along with craftsmen and gunners. They worked to fix the cannons and even put a new window in Anstruther's own room. His second-in-command was John Beaton of Balfour. They also had three boatmen to help serve the island. There was also a prisoner on Inchkeith named George Laidlaw.

Captain of Dumbarton Castle

In April 1562, Anstruther became the captain of Dumbarton Castle. He took over this role after the Duke of Chatelherault had to give up the castle. Anstruther traveled to Dumbarton and hired five watchmen to guard the castle.

Life at Inchkeith

Inchkeith Island usually had a group of 40 soldiers. The fortress was given more supplies and extra cannons in 1565 and 1566. Some extra supplies were sent to Tantallon and Leith to be sold.

Anstruther continued to be in charge at Inchkeith even under Regent Moray. In June 1568, he received wages for the soldiers stationed there.

Demolition of the Fort

In January 1568, Regent Moray allowed the fort on Inchkeith to be taken down. Anstruther was given permission to use or sell the materials from the buildings. These materials included slates, roof timbers, doors, windows, and iron gates.

In February 1568, Regent Moray also gave Anstruther lands and a castle at Ormiston in Eckford. He also received "Goven's lands" at Maxton in Roxburghshire. These lands had been taken from James Ormiston because he was involved in the murder of Lord Darnley.