Robert Gibb (courtier) facts for kids
Robert Gibb (also known as Gib) was a Scottish landowner and a helper at the royal court. He lived from 1490 to 1558. His home was at Carribber Castle near Linlithgow in West Lothian. This estate was located by the River Avon. Robert inherited these lands from his father, who was also named Robert Gibb.
Robert Gibb worked for James V of Scotland. In 1524, he became a "Stirrup-man," which meant he helped the king with his horses. By 1538, he was promoted to "Esquire of the Stable." This important job meant he was in charge of the king's horses and how the king traveled.
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Helping the King's Horses
Robert Gibb's main job was to manage the king's stable. He looked after the royal horses and made sure everything was ready for the king's journeys.
Managing Royal Equipment
Records show that Robert Gibb bought a large chest to store horse equipment, like harnesses and special cloths for the horses. He also kept track of payments for various craftsmen. These included:
- Thomas Sprotty, the blacksmith.
- Andrew Lorimer, who made horse bits and stirrups.
- People who sharpened and fixed the king's swords and long weapons called "Jedburgh staves."
- William Smeberd, who made armor for the king's horses and for jousting.
A King's Secret Escape
In 1528, King James V needed to escape from the powerful Douglas family. He rode early in the morning from Falkland Palace to Stirling Castle to join his mother, Margaret Tudor. It is believed that Robert Gibb helped the king with this secret escape. Some stories say the king rode disguised with six horses.
Later Life and Family
Robert Gibb was with Mary of Guise (the king's wife) and Mary, Queen of Scots at Stirling Castle in June 1544. He passed away in 1558.
The "Rob Gibb" Legend
Later stories sometimes say that Robert Gibb was one of the king's jesters or "fools." However, there is no real proof for this idea. The writer Walter Scott helped spread this story. There's an old saying, "Rob Gibb's contract: stark love and kindness," which means strong loyalty and friendship. This saying became linked to Robert Gibb, and his name became a symbol of loyalty in Scotland. His image, often with clasped hands, appeared on items like snuff boxes. For example, MacDonald of Kingsburgh gave a "Rob Gibb" snuff box to Bonnie Prince Charlie.
At Linlithgow Palace, there's a special spot in the old great hall called "Rob Gibb's chair." This corner recess is connected to the stories of this local landowner and courtier.
Robert Gibb's Family
Robert Gibb married a woman named Elizabeth Schaw. They had several children:
- James Gibb of Carriber
- George Gibb
- Robert Gibb, who was a coroner in Edinburgh
- John Gibb, who worked for James VI and I
- Patrick Gibb, a businessman in Linlithgow
- Janet Gibb
- Isobel Gibb
- Elizabeth Gibb, who worked for Anne of Denmark and married Peter Young, a tutor to James VI.
