Simon Preston of Craigmillar facts for kids
Simon Preston of Craigmillar (born around 1510 – died around 1570) was a very important person in Scotland. He was the Lord Provost of Edinburgh (like a mayor) from 1565 to 1569. He was also part of the Privy Council of Scotland, which was a group of trusted advisors to the monarch, during the time of Mary, Queen of Scots.
Simon's Work in Politics
Simon Preston helped rebuild Holyrood Palace in September 1554. This palace was for Mary of Guise, who was the Queen's mother and ruled Scotland at the time. The palace had been damaged by an English army in 1544. Simon provided lead for the roof.
Later, in February 1557, Tantallon Castle came under Mary of Guise's control. Simon Preston was chosen to be the castle's keeper, meaning he was in charge of it.
In January 1561, Queen Mary sent Simon Preston to Scotland as her special messenger, or "envoy." He and three other people had to announce that her husband, Francis II of France, had died. They also shared her decision to return to Scotland. They first arrived at Simon's own home, Craigmillar Castle. An English diplomat named Thomas Randolph wasn't happy about this news. But he did say that Preston was the best of the four messengers.
Mary, Queen of Scots, made Preston the captain of Dunbar Castle. In August 1565, during a rebellion called the Chaseabout Raid, she chose him to be the Lord Provost of Edinburgh. Simon Preston was known to be a Catholic.
On October 6, 1566, the Privy Council of Scotland asked Preston to collect a tax of £12,000 Scots. This money was used to entertain important guests at the baptism of Prince James, who would later become King James VI.
In 1567, he was given the buildings around Trinity College Church by the state. Just two days later, he gave them to the city of Edinburgh. He asked that the main building be used as a hospital to help poor people.
Simon's loyalty to Queen Mary changed before her last big battle in Scotland, the Battle of Langside. On May 8, 1568, he signed an agreement with William Kirkcaldy of Grange. This agreement meant he would support James VI of Scotland and Regent Moray against Mary.
Simon's Homes
Like many important people back then, Simon Preston had two homes in Edinburgh. One was in the city, and the other was in the countryside.
His country home was Craigmillar Castle. You can still see a garden pond there shaped like the letter "P," which was his initial! His city home was called the Black Turnpike. It stood near the Tron Kirk, at the corner of Hunter Square. This building was later taken down to build the South Bridge. Mary, Queen of Scots, stayed at the Black Turnpike during her last days in Scotland.
Simon's Family
Simon Preston was married twice. His first wife was Elizabeth Menteith, and his second was Janet Beaton. Elizabeth's son, David Preston, became Simon's heir.
In September 1553, Regent Arran gave Simon a ring. This was a gift at the christening (a special ceremony) for one of Simon's children. The ring was bought from a goldsmith in Edinburgh named Alexander Gilbert.
