Robert Douglas, Provost of Lincluden facts for kids
Robert Douglas, Provost of Lincluden (died 1609) was an important Scottish nobleman, a courtier, and a government official. He was known for his work with King James VI of Scotland.
Robert Douglas was the son of Sir James Douglas of Drumlanrig. In September 1547, he became the Provost of Lincluden. A Provost was like a leader or head of a church or college.
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Robert Douglas and the King
Robert Douglas was a trusted advisor to King James VI. He was involved in many important events during the king's reign.
Early Challenges
In 1584, Robert Douglas was held as a prisoner at Falkland Palace. This happened because James Stewart, Earl of Arran, who was a powerful figure at the time, thought Douglas was against him. An informer named George Drummond of Blair was placed with Douglas to report on him. Drummond claimed that Douglas was in contact with Scottish lords who had been forced to leave the country and were living in England.
Working for the King
Around 1585, Robert Douglas became an advisor to John Maitland, 1st Lord Maitland of Thirlestane, who was a very important government official called the Chancellor. At this time, Douglas was also given a big job as the Collector-General and Treasurer of the New Augmentations. This meant he was in charge of collecting and managing certain royal money.
Journey to Norway
In 1589, Robert Douglas went with King James VI on a special trip to Norway. The King was going there to meet his future wife, Anne of Denmark. Robert Douglas did not sail on the King's ship. Instead, he traveled on one of three other ships with other important people like Lewis Bellenden, John Carmichael, William Keith of Delny, George Home, James Sandilands, and Peter Young.
While in Oslo, Norway, on November 21, 1589, Douglas signed the official agreement for the King's marriage. Other important people who signed included John Maitland, the Earl Marischal, Patrick Vans of Barnbarroch, Lewis Bellenden, James Scrimgeour, Alexander Lindsay, John Carmichael, William Keith of Delny, William Stewart, John Skene, and George Young.
Return to Scotland
On April 3, 1590, Robert Douglas wrote a letter from Helsingør, Denmark, to Sir Patrick Vans of Barnbarroch. He wrote about the King's plans to return to Scotland on April 14, if the weather was good. He also mentioned some disagreements among the King's group, especially involving William Keith of Delny, who was expected to lose his job as the keeper of the King's clothes and belongings.
Robert Douglas arrived back in Scotland on April 30, 1590.
Later Life and Death
In September and October 1592, Robert Douglas hosted the Chancellor, John Maitland, 1st Lord Maitland of Thirlestane, and his wife, Jean Fleming, Countess of Cassilis, at his home called Greenlaw, near Crossmichael.
Robert Douglas made his will (a legal document about what happens to his possessions after he dies) at a house called Frieris near Kelso on September 12, 1609. He passed away later that same year.
