Robert Mure of Caldwell facts for kids
Sir Robert Mure (who died in 1620) was a Scottish landowner. He was put in prison by King James VI because he treated some of the people who rented land from him unfairly.
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Sir Robert Mure's Life and Work
Robert Mure was the son of John Mure of Caldwell and Jonet Kennedy. The Caldwell area is in East Renfrewshire, Scotland. His father was sadly killed in 1570 during a family disagreement. After his father's death, Robert became the new owner, or "Laird," of Caldwell. Later, King James VI made him a knight.
Helping Lord Sempill
In 1581, Robert Mure became a legal guardian for his stepson, Robert, Lord Sempill. This happened after Robert Mure married Lord Sempill's mother, Barbara Preston. Other guardians included Archibald Preston and his son James Preston, who worked for the king. They also made an agreement with the Earl of Glencairn.
In 1590, King James VI sent a letter to Robert Mure. The king reminded him to send a special horse. This horse was for the ladies who worked for the king's wife, Anne of Denmark.
Trouble with a Tenant
Robert Mure had some problems with a tenant named John Reid of Kittochside. A tenant is someone who rents land or property. Their disagreements started around 1570. The land at Kittochside is now where the National Museum of Rural Life is located.
In April 1600, John Reid complained to the Privy Council. This was a group of advisors to the king. Reid said that Robert Mure had caused him trouble for 18 years. Reid had inherited his lease, meaning he had the right to rent the land.
In June 1597, Robert Mure sent his sons to try and capture John Reid. Reid managed to escape, but Mure's sons burned down his house. This put Reid's wife and children in danger.
Then, in March 1600, Robert Mure and his armed followers came to Reid's farm again. They broke into his storage boxes and took clothes, fabrics, and farm animals. Mure claimed he was taking these items because Reid owed him money. However, the Privy Council did not agree with Mure. They ordered him to pay John Reid back for everything he took. Robert Mure was then sent to prison in Edinburgh Castle.
On June 29, 1600, King James VI agreed that Mure had paid John Reid back enough. After that, Robert Mure was allowed to go home.
Family Life
Robert Mure was married twice.
His first wife was Elizabeth Kincaid. They had several children, including:
- John Mure, who married Helen Hamilton.
- James Mure, who married Margaret Mure. She was the daughter of William Mure of Rowallan. Their son was named Robert Mure of Caldwell.
- Hugh Mure.
His second wife was Barbara Preston. They married by 1581. Barbara was the daughter of George Preston of Valleyfield. She was also the widow of Robert, Master of Sempill. Robert and Barbara had a daughter:
See also
- Mure (surname)
