Robert Lauder of Popill facts for kids

Sir Robert Lauder of Popill was an important Scottish landowner who lived a long time ago. He was a supporter of Mary, Queen of Scots, a famous queen of Scotland. He passed away in April 1575.

His Family and Early Life

Robert was the oldest son of Robert Lauder of the Bass and Margaret Sinclair. We first hear about him in a document from 1517. This paper was about land called Tyninghame that belonged to his grandfather, Sir Robert Lauder of Bass. Robert was just a baby at that time.

In 1553, Robert made an agreement with his older brother, William Lauder. This agreement was about some land called Little Spott in East Lothian. Later, in 1573, documents showed he was the heir of Mr. John Sinclair. When John Sinclair, who was a bishop, died in 1566, Robert inherited his properties.

A Broken Engagement

In 1556, Robert Lauder was set to marry Jean Hepburn. She was the daughter of Patrick Hepburn, 3rd Earl of Bothwell and Margaret Sinclair. Jean was also the sister of James Hepburn, 4th Earl of Bothwell.

Robert and Jean made a promise to marry on July 24, 1556. They agreed to complete the marriage by September of that year. However, Robert did not go through with the wedding. Because of this, Jean took legal action against him. She asked for a payment of £4000 Scots, which was a large sum of money at the time. The case was heard in December 1558. Jean later married someone else.

His Role in Scottish Politics

In 1566, Robert Lauder was made the Captain of Tantallon Castle. This happened after William Douglas of Lochleven gave up his position. Douglas was involved in the murder of David Rizzio, who was a secretary to Mary, Queen of Scots.

Robert Lauder supported Mary, Queen of Scots. He fought on her side at the battle of Langside in 1568. After the battle, he and his family were forgiven by Regent Moray. During the Marian Civil War (1569–1572), Robert was excused from fighting. This was because he was very sick with a painful illness. Even though he had supported the Queen, he later became a supporter of Regent Morton in 1572. He also took part in the Scottish Parliament that year.

His Marriage

Robert Lauder married Margaret Hay. She was the daughter of William Hay, 2nd Lord Hay of Yester and Lady Margaret Livingstone. In 1567, Robert's father gave him and Margaret the lands of Poppill (now called Papple) in Haddingtonshire. This gift was made at Beil on April 4, 1567.

His Death

Robert Lauder of Poppill passed away in April 1575. His will was officially recorded in December 1575 by his wife, Dame Margaret Hay, and his brother, George Lauder. The will was written at Tyninghame on April 12, 1575. It showed that he had many valuable belongings, worth £2869 and some change. His father, Robert Lauder of The Bass, and his brother-in-law, William, Lord Hay of Yester, helped manage his affairs after his death.