Robert Lauder of the Bass facts for kids

Sir Robert Lauder of the Bass was a Scottish knight and an important leader who lived a long time ago, from before 1440 until about January 1508. He was in charge of the castle at Berwick-upon-Tweed, which was a very important job. He also helped make laws as a member of the old Scottish Parliament. His family, the Lauders, owned many lands and castles across Scotland, including The Bass (a famous island with a castle), Edrington Castle, and lands in places like Tyninghame and East Lothian.

Young Robert: From Edrington to Biel

Robert Lauder was the oldest son of another important person, Robert Lauder of the Bass, who passed away in 1495. His mother was Jonet, the daughter of Sir Alexander Home.

Before his father died, people often called Robert "of Edrington" because of the lands his family owned there in Berwickshire. Later, after he bought more land in Biell, he was known as 'of Biel'.

In 1462, the Scots took back control of Berwick-upon-Tweed. Robert Lauder was given the important job of looking after Berwick Castle. He was in charge there until 1474. In 1464, he even received money to help fix up the castle.

There's an old record from 1465 that tells a story about Robert. It says that another person, David Lauder, tried to give some land to his son and daughter-in-law. But Robert Lauder felt this was unfair to him. So, to show he disagreed, he threw earth and stones outside the house and even broke a plate with his foot! This was his way of saying that the land deal was not valid and wouldn't affect his rights.

Taking Charge of Edrington

In 1471, King James III of Scotland officially gave Robert Lauder control of the lands of Edrington and Coalstell. This included the fishing rights at the mouth of the Whiteadder Water and the mill there. Robert's father had given up these lands so his son could have them.

Later, in 1474, King James III confirmed another important land deal. Robert Lauder, who was now called "Lord of Edringtoun," gave some lands in West Nisbet to David Creichtoun. Robert's father, Robert Lauder of Bass, was there as a witness to this agreement.

Governor of Berwick Castle

King James III of Scotland once again chose Robert Lauder of Edrington to be the leader and governor of the castle at Berwick-upon-Tweed. This time, he was given the job for five years and received a payment of 200 merks each year.

In 1477, Robert was part of a special group chosen by King James III. Their job was to escort the money that was promised as a dowry for Princess Cecily of York. She was supposed to marry James, Duke of Rothesay, who would later become King James IV. Princess Cecily was the daughter of the King of England, Edward IV.

Records show that on February 2, 1477, King James of Scotland sent Robert Lauder of Edrington, along with other important people, to meet those bringing the princess's money. They were to guide them safely to Edinburgh.

An old document from 1477 about properties in Berwick-upon-Tweed also mentions "Robert Lauder of Bass junior" as owning land nearby.

Other Important Moments

In 1477, Robert Lauder of Edrington was part of a jury in Berwick-upon-Tweed. They were deciding who should inherit land after someone named John Broun passed away. This shows he was involved in local legal matters.

He also witnessed an important document at Dunbar Castle in 1475. In 1486, a "Robert Lawedar" was a witness at Holyrood Abbey. Because other witnesses were from the Bass family's area, it's likely this was the same Robert.

In 1489, King James IV of Scotland gave Robert Lauder a special charter for the lands of Beil, Johnscleuch, and "le Clyntis." These lands included towers and mills. The charter also mentioned Robert's wife, Isabel Hay.

Old financial records from 1489-1491 show that Robert Lauder of Edrington also owned lands called Glensax in Yarrow, Selkirkshire.

A Special Request to the Pope

In January 1491, Robert Lauder was part of a group that sent a special request to Pope Innocent VIII. They asked for forgiveness for many people after the "recent troubles" in Scotland, which included the Battle of Sauchieburn in 1488. Robert was named as the son and heir of the Lord of Bass and Baron of Stenton.

In 1494, there was a court meeting about some land in Stenton. Robert Lauder of Bass showed a document about land called Duchry. His son, Robert Lauder of Beil, said that a charter from his father to him for other lands in Stenton did not mention Duchry. This suggests there might have been a small disagreement about which lands belonged to whom.

Becoming Lord of the Bass

In 1495, Robert Lauder officially gained control of the lands of Stenton, Garvald, and The Bass, as well as Symprin and Ladypart. This usually happened when the head of the family passed away.

A document from 1497, though likely signed earlier, records that "Robert Lauder of Bass" gave lands in Auldkathi to his oldest son, Robert Lauder, and his wife, Ysobella Hay. This shows the family passing on their properties.

A Visit from the King

In 1497, King James IV himself visited The Bass. The boatmen who took him from Dunbar were paid for their service. Robert Lauder was made a knight sometime after January 1497 but before July 1498. It's thought that he received this honor when the King visited The Bass.

Legal Matters and Journeys

In 1498, Robert Lauder was involved in a legal case about some lands in Mersington. He was trying to get back documents and control of the land from Mungo Home and his mother. The court ruled in Robert's favor.

In 1501, Robert Lauder of the Bass, now a knight, had a disagreement with the prioress of the Convent of Haddington. The dispute was about lands and a chapel in Garvald, and also damage to Robert's house at Whitecastle. The case was sent to a powerful lord, Patrick Hepburn, to decide.

In 1502, the King confirmed a charter where Gavin Dunbar of Wester Spott gave lands in Wester Spott and other areas to Robert Lawdir of Bass.

In 1506, Sir Robert Lauder of the Bass went on a special journey called a pilgrimage. He traveled to pray at the shrine of St. John of Amiens in France. He was joined by many family members and friends. The King even gave him a special "Letter of Licence" which meant he and his companions were excused from attending any parliaments or courts while he was away and for 40 days after he returned. This shows how important his journey was.

It is believed that Sir Robert Lauder passed away shortly before February 1508, as his son, also named Robert, was granted control of The Bass and other family lands around that time.

Family and Children

Robert Lauder married Isabella Hay before 1489. She was the daughter of John Hay, 1st Lord Hay of Yester. Isabella was also a descendant of famous Scottish kings, including Robert The Bruce and Robert III.

Robert and Isabella had several children:

• Sir Robert Lauder of the Bass (who died around 1517 or 1518). He became the keeper of Lochmaben Castle in 1512.
• William Lauder, whose family line later included the Belhaven and West Barns branches.
• Agnes Lauder, who married Alexander Cockburn of Newhall.
• Elizabeth Lauder, who married David Renton of Billie and Lamberton before 1506.
• Margaret Lauder, who married Kentigern Hepburn of Waughton and Lufness. After he died, she married Alexander Hume of Polwarth.