Robert Lauder of the Bass (died 1576) facts for kids

Robert Lauder of The Bass (born before 1504 – died June 1576) was a powerful noble in Scotland. He owned large areas of land in East Lothian, Berwickshire, and Fife. The Lauder family, known as the Barons of The Bass, were important figures. They often attended the Scottish Parliament. Robert Lauder was a strong supporter of Mary, Queen of Scots. He stood by her side at Carberry Hill in 1567 and fought for her at the battle of Langside.

Family and Lands

Robert Lauder was the son of Sir Robert Lauder of The Bass. When his father passed away around 1518, young Robert inherited many lands. These included The Bass (a famous island castle), and lands like Edrington in Berwickshire. He also gained control of areas in East Lothian, such as Stenton and Beil. He even owned lands in West Lothian and Angus.

In 1529, he received more land near Dunbar from Scone Abbey. He also got lands in Fife and Perth. King James V gave him rights to collect rents from lands in Edinburgh and Berwick in 1532. Later, in 1538, he gained more lands in Forfarshire and Berwickshire.

In 1542, Robert Lauder was confirmed as the owner of the lands and area of Tyninghame. This was a very important grant. He also received annual payments from many other lands in Haddingtonshire. Some of his lands were "temple-lands" near North Berwick. These lands had once belonged to the Knights Templar, a famous medieval order.

Building a Hospital

Around 1540, Robert Lauder built a famous hospital in North Berwick. It was called Lauder's Hospital of the Poor Brothers. He was also its patron, meaning he supported it financially.

Military Actions

Robert Lauder was involved in several military events. In 1529, King James V pardoned him and others. They had helped Archibald Douglas, 6th Earl of Angus, who was an enemy of the King at the time. Robert had given refuge to Douglas in his castle at Edrington.

In 1548, Robert Lauder of The Bass and French soldiers from Dunbar Castle attacked English supplies. These supplies were on their way to Haddington. They killed many soldiers and captured the English Governor of Haddington, Sir James Wilford.

The Bass island was known as one of Scotland's strongholds in 1548. In 1562, Robert Lauder was given a special permission. Because of his age, he was excused from military service for life. However, his eldest son and heir had to serve in his place.

Despite this, Robert Lauder still supported Mary, Queen of Scots. He joined her and her army of 2000 men from Dunbar Castle. They marched to face the Lords at Carberry Hill on June 14, 1567.

In 1568, Robert Lauder was declared a fugitive. This was because he had fought for Mary, Queen of Scots, at the battle of Langside. His goods and lands were taken away. However, he later received a pardon. This pardon also included his sons, Sir Robert Lauder of Popill, John, and Patrick. It also covered his servants. They were pardoned for fighting at Langside and for holding The Bass Castle against the King's authority.

Loan to Mary, Queen of Scots

Robert Lauder of The Bass had loaned two thousand pounds to Queen Mary and her husband, Lord Darnley. This money was never paid back. After Robert's death, his son-in-law, David Preston of Craigmillar, tried to get the money back. He sued Sir John Stewart of Traquair, who had guaranteed the loan. The case went to the Privy Council several times but was never fully settled.

Death

Robert Lauder of The Bass passed away in June 1576. His will was officially recorded in April 1577.

Marriages and Children

Robert Lauder of The Bass was married twice. His first wife was Margaret Sinclair. She was the daughter of Sir Oliver Sinclair of Roslin. They had twelve children together.

His second wife was Elizabeth Hay. She was the daughter of John Hay, 4th Lord of Yester. With Elizabeth, he had one daughter, also named Elizabeth. This daughter married David Preston of Preston and Craigmillar Castle in 1558.

Here are some of his children from his first marriage:

• Sir Robert Lauder of Popill, a knight and Member of Parliament.
• John Lauder, who was the Captain of The Bass.
• James Lauder of The Bass, who was a church leader (Dean of Restalrig). He was sadly murdered in 1580.
• Sir George Lauder of The Bass, who inherited the main title.
• Patrick Lauder of Garvald.
• Arthur Lauder of Scoonie, Fife.
• William Lauder of Edrington, Berwickshire.
• Henry Lauder.
• Alexander Lauder, a church official in Glasgow.
• Katherine, who married three times.
• Mariotta, who married Thomas Otterburn.
• Margaret, who married Edward Aitkin.

Robert Lauder of The Bass also had two children born outside of marriage:

• William Lauder, who also became Captain of The Bass. He was officially recognized as his son in 1566 but was murdered in 1572.
• Charles Lauder, who was also Captain of The Bass. He died before 1572.