Robert Hamilton of Briggis facts for kids
Robert Hamilton of Briggis (died 1568) was a Scottish soldier and a clever military engineer. He was in charge of important places like Linlithgow Palace and Dunbar Castle. He also held a very important job as the Master of Scotland's artillery, meaning he was in charge of all the cannons and big guns.
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Robert's Properties and Homes
Briggis was a large piece of land near Kirkliston in West Lothian, close to the Almond Water. An ancient stone monument called the Cat Stane is found on this land. Robert Hamilton owned parts of Briggis. He also gained land in Easter Collessie or Halhill in Fife. His brother, Andrew Hamilton of Cochno, was in charge of Dumbarton Castle.
Robert's Important Jobs
Robert Hamilton had a long and busy career serving the Scottish Crown.
Early Missions
In February 1542, King James V of Scotland sent Robert Hamilton and another man named Matthew Hamilton of Milnburn to France. They were allowed to come back to Scotland in January 1543 by Regent Arran, who was ruling Scotland for the young Queen Mary.
Keeper of Linlithgow Palace
On August 22, 1543, Robert was made the Keeper and Captain of Linlithgow Palace. This meant he was in charge of the palace, its gardens, and even its tennis court! This happened after the baby Queen Mary, Queen of Scots was moved from Linlithgow to Stirling Castle for safety. In March 1554, Hamilton was also given permission to operate the coal mine at Linlithgow.
Battles and Fortifications
Robert was also the captain of Dalkeith Castle in February 1544. He fought in the Battle of Glasgow Moor in 1544. He was on the side of the Earl of Lennox and the Earl of Glencairn against Regent Arran.
However, he quickly made peace with Regent Arran. In August 1545, he helped organize a group of 1000 horsemen to protect the border with England. He was also involved in getting timber to fix cannons at Dunbar Castle in March 1546. In September 1546, he brought cannons to attack Dumbarton Castle.
Siege of St Andrews Castle
Robert Hamilton played a big part in the siege of St Andrews Castle in December 1546. He spent a lot of money, over £3756 Scots, on cannons and the workers needed to use them.
Captain of Dunbar Castle
He was the Captain of Dunbar Castle and managed its repairs in 1547. This was during a war with England known as the Rough Wooing. In September 1547, he gave up his role at Dunbar. Later, in June 1548, Dunbar Castle was given to a French commander. One of his sons, also named Robert Hamilton, helped move a large cannon from Dunbar Castle to the siege of Haddington in July 1548.
Siege of Broughty Castle
In February 1550, Robert was at the siege of Broughty Castle. This castle was held by an English soldier. Hamilton gave money to the workers who were digging trenches for the French cannons.
Rewards and Gifts
In 1551, Regent Arran rewarded Robert Hamilton and another man with money that was owed to King James V. In December 1552, Regent Arran sent Robert Hamilton special cloth for a dress for Elizabeth Ramsay. She was likely staying at Linlithgow Palace at the time. He also received money to give to two English people who had been sent away from their home.
Master of Artillery
On February 10, 1556, Mary of Guise, who was then ruling Scotland, made Robert Hamilton the Master of her majesty's artillery and munitions. This was a very important job! His appointment letter said he had served faithfully in wars against "the old enemies of England." It also mentioned his experience with building forts and handling weapons. He was given the power to check forts and order repairs. This job paid him £100 Scots a year.
During Mary of Guise's time as ruler (1554–1560), she also worked with an Italian military designer named Lorenzo Pomarelli. He helped with building projects, especially on the island of Inchkeith.
Robert Hamilton of Briggis was also in charge of the lands around Dunbar. His records from 1561 mention rabbits and other local foods that were served at the royal table.
Later Years
In July 1561, Queen Mary appointed Robert Anstruther as the new captain of Dunbar. Robert Hamilton of Briggis helped make a list of all the cannons and ammunition there.
Queen Mary appointed Andrew Ferriar as the new keeper of Linlithgow Palace on January 28, 1567. He was told to keep some fields of broom in the park to feed the queen's horses and to plant trees. He was also given power to catch anyone hunting with dogs or small hand-guns in the park.
Robert Hamilton of Briggis passed away in 1568. He had at least four children.
