John Wemyss (landowner) facts for kids

Sir John Wemyss (born in 1558, died in 1621) was an important Scottish landowner during the time of King James VI. He played a role in the royal court and managed his family's lands in Fife, Scotland.

Life and Times of Sir John Wemyss

Sir John Wemyss was the son of David Wemyss and Cecilia Ruthven. His family's home was Wemyss Castle, a large castle located in Fife right by the sea. Because of its location, he was sometimes known as the "Laird of West Wemyss." A "laird" is a Scottish term for a landowner, similar to a lord.

Dealing with Disputes

Sir John sometimes had disagreements with other powerful families. For example, he had a long-running dispute with the Laird of Balmuto over fishing rights on Loch Gelly. To protect his family's interests, Sir John even built a small fort and kept an armed boat on the loch! King James VI himself knew about this disagreement and tried to help resolve it. The king even joked that he was "on Wemyss' side" in the dispute.

Helping the Royal Family

Sir John Wemyss was well-connected with the royal family. In 1592, he provided a safe place at Wemyss Castle for Margaret Winstar, a lady-in-waiting to Anne of Denmark, who was the Queen. Margaret's partner, John Wemyss of Logie, had been involved in some political trouble, and the Queen was very grateful to Sir John for looking after her servant. She even wrote to thank him!

Sir John was likely knighted at Stirling Castle in August 1594. This happened during a special celebration for the baptism of Prince Henry, the king's son. Being knighted was a great honor.

Royal Duties and Requests

As a powerful landowner, Sir John had certain duties to the king. For instance, he was sometimes asked to host people who were "pledges" for good behavior. These were individuals from the Scottish borders who had to stay with trusted lairds to show they would follow the king's rules. Sir John hosted people like Archie Armstrong of Whitehaugh. He even complained about this duty sometimes, and King James VI listened, asking him to move Armstrong to Falkland Palace instead.

In 1599, King James VI asked Sir John for a riding horse. The horse was needed for the French ambassador, Philippe de Béthune, who was visiting Scotland. The ambassador used the horse to travel and go hunting with the king.

A very important request came in 1603. Both King James VI and Queen Anne of Denmark asked Sir John Wemyss to help escort Queen Anne to London. This was a significant journey because King James VI was also becoming the King of England at this time.

Sir John also made improvements to his home, Wemyss Castle. He had a special "long gallery" built that looked out over the sea, with rooms above it.

Family Life

Sir John Wemyss was married twice. His first marriage was to Margaret Douglas in 1574. Later, in 1581, he married Mary Stewart.

He had several children, including:

• John Wemyss, 1st Earl of Wemyss (1586–1649)
• Isobel Wemyss (1588–1636), who married Hugh Fraser in 1614.
• Cecilia Wemyss, who married William Murray.
• Catherine Wemyss, who married Sir John Haldane.