Robert Sempill, 4th Lord Sempill facts for kids
Robert Sempill, who was the 4th Lord Sempill, was an important Scottish nobleman. He lived a long time ago, in the late 1500s and early 1600s. He was a member of the Scottish Parliament.
Robert became the Lord Sempill in 1576. This happened after his grandfather passed away. His own father, Robert Sempill, had died earlier in 1569. Robert's mother was Barbara Preston. She was the daughter of the laird (landowner) of Valleyfield, which is near Dunfermline.
When Robert was young, he was a minor. This meant he was too young to manage his own lands. So, his estates were looked after by Regent Morton. Morton was like a guardian for him, following Scottish law. After Morton was executed, other people called 'curators' managed Robert's affairs. One of these curators was Robert Mure of Caldwell, who married Robert's mother.
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Robert Sempill's Life and Work
Robert, the 4th Lord Sempill, was a special advisor to James VI of Scotland. This group of advisors was called the Privy Council.
A Problem with Corn
In 1587, Robert had a problem with Annabell Murray, Countess of Mar. He was supposed to give her a harvest of corn from a place called Inchinnan by a certain date. If he didn't, he was supposed to go to prison in Dumbarton Castle.
Robert couldn't deliver the corn on time. So, he went to Dumbarton Castle. But the Captain of the castle didn't have the right papers to accept him as a prisoner. It was also too late to travel to Edinburgh to the Privy Council. The Countess said Robert had "wilfully disobeyed" the order. She got permission for John Lord Hamilton to take Robert's properties. The Privy Council did not accept Robert's reasons. They sided with the Countess.
Family Connections and Plots
Colonel William Sempill of Lochwinnoch was likely Robert Sempill's half-brother. This Colonel was involved in some secret plots. These plots were about Spain and Scotland working together. In August 1592, Lord Sempill was told to hand over Colonel Sempill for questioning.
Worries About Spain
Between 1595 and 1599, Robert sent messages about a possible Spanish invasion. People were worried Spain might attack England or Scotland. But this invasion never happened. On December 12, 1595, he wrote to the Earl of Essex from Rouen. He mentioned this "constant rumour" about an invasion. He also said he wanted to visit London and meet Queen Elizabeth and the Earl.
In 1596, Robert was sent as an ambassador to Spain. An ambassador is someone who represents their country in another country. In May 1599, King James VI talked about the Spanish invasion worries. He discussed them with the English ambassador, William Bowes. This discussion was based on the information Robert Sempill had provided.
Ship Incident
In 1597, Sempill and some others took an English ship. It was called the Jonathan of London. They unfairly took money from its captain, James Upgrave.
Royal Marriage Talks
In 1602, Sempill was involved in talks with Charles Emmanuel I, Duke of Savoy. They were discussing a possible marriage for the Scottish Prince Henry. Prince Henry was the son of King James VI.
Robert Sempill's Family
Robert Sempill was married twice.
His first wife was Anne Montgomerie. She was the daughter of Hugh Montgomerie, 3rd Earl of Eglinton. Anne was related to important historical figures. She was descended from James I of Scotland and Edward III of England through her father's side. Her mother, Agnes Drummond of Innerpeffray, was the daughter of Margaret Stewart. Margaret was an illegitimate daughter of James IV of Scotland.
Robert and Anne's children were:
- Hugh Sempill, who became the 5th Lord Sempill. He married Elizabeth Hay. She was the daughter of Francis Hay, 9th Earl of Erroll.
- Ann, who married Archibald Stewart of Castlemilk.
- Barbara, who married Colin Lamomt of Lasmont.
- Grizzel, who married John Logan of Raiss.
- A fourth daughter, who married Robert Bisbrane of Bishopton.
Robert's second wife was Joanna Everard from Ireland. Their son was:
- William Sempill of Letterkenny (in Ireland).
