Robert de Lawedre of Edrington facts for kids

Sir Robert Lauder was an important knight who lived a long time ago in Scotland. He was a trusted friend of King Robert III and even helped look after the King's son, who later became James I of Scotland. Robert Lauder was also a Burgess of Edinburgh, which meant he was an important citizen in the city. He passed away in 1425.

Robert's Family and Inheritance

Robert Lauder was the oldest son of Alan Lauder and his wife, Alicia. Alicia's father was Sir Colin Campbell. Robert's father, Alan, passed away by 1407.

Because Robert was the eldest son, he was set to inherit important lands and castles from his grandfather, also named Sir Robert Lauder. These included the feudal barony of The Bass and the castle of Edrington, in Berwickshire. Even after he inherited The Bass, people often called him "of Edrington" because his father lived for a long time.

Robert's Early Life

Records show that in 1364, when Robert was young, he received permission from King Edward III of England to travel. This suggests he was at least a page or a young adult at the time. Before 1370, Robert was a witness to an important document with his father and grandfather.

By 1384, Sir Robert was known as the Lord Justice of Scotland. This was a very important role, showing he was a key figure in the country's legal system.

Battles and Important Meetings

Sir Robert Lauder was known as a brave knight. He was present at the Battle of Otterburn on August 19, 1388. This was a famous battle between Scotland and England.

In 1398, Robert Lauder helped make sure a truce (a temporary peace agreement) was followed between England and Scotland. He was one of the people who promised that the Earl of Douglas would keep his word during a meeting about prisoners and ransoms.

Sir Robert Lauder also took part in the Battle of Nesbit Moor on June 22, 1402, where he was captured.

Key Moments and Roles

Sir Robert Lauder, Lord of The Bass, was often present at important events and signed official documents. For example, in 1389, he was present when a document from Margaret, Countess of Mar was read out at a church in Haddington.

In 1391, he witnessed a document for Coldingham Priory, confirming their old possessions. Around 1397, he witnessed a charter for George Douglas, 1st Earl of Angus. He also received money from the customs (taxes on goods) of Haddington that same year.

In 1401, Sir Robert Lauder, along with other knights, witnessed a charter from Archibald Douglas, 3rd Earl of Douglas. In 1411, he was mentioned in a royal document and received permission to travel to England.

Records show that Sir Robert Lauder received payments from the customs of North Berwick in 1413, 1414, 1415, and 1420. In 1420, he was chosen to check the financial accounts for the government. He traveled to England often. In 1423, he, along with his brothers George and Gilbert, received permission to travel from England back to Scotland.

Helping King James I

In 1405, King Robert III was worried about his son, Prince James. He feared that Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany might harm the young prince. So, King Robert III placed Prince James in the safe care of his friend, Sir Robert Lauder, at his strong castle on The Bass Rock. From there, the prince was meant to travel to safer places in Europe. This story is told in an old book called "Wyntown's Cronykil."

Later, in 1423, Sir Robert Lauder was chosen as one of the ambassadors to help free King James I from his long captivity in England. They met in York and agreed on the King's ransom, which was a large sum of money. Sir Robert's special seal (signet) was attached to this important treaty.

In 1424, when King James I finally returned to Scotland, he trusted Sir Robert Lauder. The King sent his cousin, Walter Stewart, to be held prisoner at The Bass castle. Sir Robert Lauder was the person who received the payments for looking after the prisoner.

Sir Robert Lauder was a close friend of King James I. He was one of the few people the King truly trusted. In 1425, a document was issued asking Robert and others to travel to Bruges to collect money owed to the Scottish Crown.

Sir Robert Lauder of Bass likely passed away before June 14, 1425. His son, also named Sir Robert Lauder, then inherited his father's lands.

Robert's Family Life

Sir Robert Lauder was married to a woman named Annabella. They had several children. In 1414, a document about a gift to Glasgow Cathedral mentioned Robert and some of his sons, who witnessed the charter.

Their known children included:

• William de Lauder, who became a Bishop of Glasgow and the Lord Chancellor of Scotland.
• John Lauder, whose daughter Mariotta married Sir Alexander Home.
• Sir Robert Lauder, who inherited his father's lands.
• James Lauder, who was a Justice-Clerk.
• Alan Lauder, who lived at Lauder Tower.
• Gilbert Lauder, who was a "baillie" (an official) of Lauder. He married Annabella Maitland.
• Patrick Lauder.
• George Lauder, Bishop of Argyll, who became a bishop.
• A daughter who married Patrick Cockburn.