Robert Boyd, 4th Lord Boyd facts for kids

Robert Boyd, 4th Lord Boyd (around 1485 – 3 January 1558) was a Scottish nobleman. He supported different groups trying to control Scotland's government. This happened during the time of King James V and when Mary, Queen of Scots was a child.

Robert Boyd's Life Story

Robert Boyd was the son of Alexander, 3rd Lord Boyd.

Early Years and Family Disputes

Robert Boyd is first mentioned because of a long-standing family quarrel. This was with the Montgomeries family. In December 1523, Patrick Montgomerie was killed. This was likely revenge for the killing of James, 2nd Lord Boyd, back in 1484.

The feud continued for many years. On May 2, 1530, Hugh Montgomerie, 1st Earl of Eglinton, suggested a way to end it. They agreed that Robert Boyd would receive 2,000 merks. This was a type of old Scottish money. In return, Robert Boyd's son would marry into the Earl's family.

Working with the Queen Mother

Robert Boyd also had connections with important people. On June 24, 1525, he received a document from Archibald Douglas, 6th Earl of Angus. This document showed he had managed the lands of Kilmarnock for the Queen Mother, Margaret. She was the mother of King James V.

He also received another document from Queen Margaret herself in 1529. Robert Boyd was appointed a "Squire of the Household" in 1525. This meant he had a special role in the royal household. In 1529, he and Queen Margaret and her husband, Henry Stewart, 1st Lord Methven, agreed to help each other.

Managing Lands and Titles

On June 13, 1532, Robert Boyd's son, also named Robert, was given a nine-year lease. This was for the lands of Kilmarnock from Queen Margaret.

Robert Boyd had taken over from his father as the "Bailie and Chamberlain" of Kilmarnock. These were important roles in managing the land. He gave up these positions on May 5, 1534. His son was then appointed in his place.

After this, Robert Boyd was often called "formerly in Kilmarnock." In 1536, he and his wife, Helen Somerville, received new lands in Dundonald. This was in exchange for other lands. They received more land later that year. This was because they gave up their claims to the lands of Kilmarnock.

In 1537, Robert and his wife received another grant of these lands. This was for his services in France and other places.

Restoration of the Lordship

In 1543, Robert Boyd spoke out against a decision to forgive Sir James Colville of East Wemyss. Early in 1544, he greatly helped the Regent, James Hamilton, 2nd Earl of Arran. This was during the Battle of Glasgow. He helped against a group supporting Matthew Stewart, 4th Earl of Lennox.

Because of his help in this important battle, he was given back his title as Lord Boyd. This happened between September 22, 1545, and November 17, 1546. His family's properties were likely returned in 1543.

In October 1543, he received a letter from the Queen Mother, Mary of Guise. This letter protected him from having to give up Kilmarnock Castle. In March 1545, he was recognized as the head of his family. This meant he inherited lands like Kilmarnock and Dairy.

Later Life and Continued Feuds

Robert Boyd of Kilmarnock was one of the nobles who promised to defend Scotland. This was against the English in a Parliament meeting in 1545. His son, also named Robert, received legal ownership of lands in September 1545. This happened after his father gave up his rights.

Robert, Lord Boyd, and his son, Robert, Master of Boyd, witnessed an important agreement in 1546.

Robert Boyd was also present at a meeting of the Privy Council in December 1546. Even after the agreement in 1530, the feud with the Montgomeries continued. In 1547, Sir Neil Montgomerie was killed by Lord Boyd's supporters in Irvine.

This caused the feud to become very intense. It continued until 1560–61. At that time, his son, the 5th Lord Boyd, helped bring peace between the families. Robert, 4th Lord Boyd, passed away between July 29, 1557, and May 10, 1558.

Family Life

Robert Boyd married Helen Somerville before 1518. She was still alive in 1536. He later married Elizabeth Napier before December 1542. His third wife was Marion Colquhoun, whom he married before February 1549. Marion survived him and later married Captain Thomas Crawfurd.

Robert Boyd had two children:

• Robert, 5th Lord Boyd (born around 1517, died 1590)
• Margaret, who married John Montgomerie of Lainshaw. She became a widow before February 10, 1560–61.