Sir Thomas Burnett, 1st Baronet facts for kids
Sir Thomas Burnett, 1st Baronet of Leys (died June 27, 1653), was an important Scottish leader. He was a powerful landowner, known as a feudal baron, and a strong supporter of the Covenanters. The Covenanters were a group of Scots who signed agreements (Covenants) to protect their Presbyterian church from changes they didn't like. Sir Thomas represented Kincardineshire in the Scottish Parliament in 1621.
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Early Life and Achievements
Thomas was the oldest son of Alexander Burnett. He studied at King's College, Aberdeen and Aberdeen University starting in 1603. After his father passed away in 1619, Thomas took over the family lands and titles. He also finished the work on Muchalls Castle, which his father had started building in 1588.
In 1619, King James VI of Scotland chose Thomas to be part of a group. This group was tasked with visiting the universities in Aberdeen to check on them. That same year, he became an honorary Burgess of Aberdeen. This was a special title given to important citizens. In 1620, he was made a knight.
Sir Thomas was one of the first people to receive the title of Baronet of Nova Scotia. This special title was given out on April 21, 1626.
In 1621, Sir Thomas asked for a new church to be built in Fetteresso. His lands and Muchalls Castle were in this area. He finished building Muchalls Castle in 1627. During the 1620s, there was a lot of religious disagreement. Sir Thomas strongly disagreed with the King's church, the Episcopalian party. Instead, he became a supporter of the Solemn League and Covenant.
The Covenanting Wars
Standing Up for the Covenant
After the Covenant was signed in Edinburgh, a powerful group called the Tables was formed. This group worked to make sure everyone in Scotland accepted the Covenant. They also raised money to support their army.
Sir Thomas Burnett was one of the leaders for the northern part of Scotland. He and other leaders visited Aberdeen in July 1638. They asked the town's leaders to sign the Covenant. However, the town leaders politely told them they didn't have the legal right to force people to sign.
The Covenanting leaders returned on July 20, 1638, with more people. This time, the Earl of Montrose, a strong Covenanter at the time, led them. They also brought several Covenanting preachers. The city churches, however, would not let these preachers use their pulpits. The university also said the Covenant was against the law. Three of the main preachers then went to Sir Thomas's Muchalls Castle for safety.
Conflict and Changing Sides
In March 1639, about 11,000 men, led by Montrose and Huntly, were sent north. Their goal was to make the northern areas follow the Covenant. Montrose and Argyll wrote to Sir Thomas Burnett to reassure him. Aberdeen made strong requests to Montrose, who then moved his army to Strathbogie. Most of the people who opposed the Covenanters had already left Aberdeen.
Sir Thomas Burnett was part of a special court that met in Aberdeen in April 1639. This court forced people who didn't support the Covenant (called 'malignants') to sign it. If they refused, their belongings could be taken away. Later, part of the Covenanting army camped at Muchalls. They searched Burnett's property, even though he protested.
More Covenanters arrived in Aberdeen in 1644. During this time, a committee met to discuss northern business. Lord Fraser, Sir Thomas Burnett, and others complained about losing property. They asked for money back because soldiers had stayed on their lands.
Later in 1644, Montrose, who was now a Marquess, changed sides. He supported the King and marched north to stop those who opposed the King. Sir Thomas believed the Covenanters had gone too far by rebelling against the King. He invited Montrose to his castle at Crathes for dinner. Sir Thomas offered Montrose weapons, horses, and money. Montrose accepted the weapons and horses but not the money. Sir Thomas and his son were some of the only Covenanters protected by Montrose.
Sir Thomas armed his own men to protect his lands from robber groups. These groups were common because of the fighting in the north. At the same time, Sir Thomas asked the Scottish Parliament for help. He wanted to be excused from high taxes that were funding the Covenanting armies. He also asked for help against raiding Highlanders.
It seems Sir Thomas was not excused from the taxes. He sent all his silver plates to Edinburgh to be melted down as a loan. He also loaned money to the Marquess of Argyll.
Supporting King Charles II
After Charles II was declared King in Scotland, the Scottish Parliament became very focused on the Covenant. In 1649, Sir Thomas Burnett complained to Parliament that he was owed £67,000. This money was for his support of their cause. As a result, Parliament passed a law saying Sir Thomas didn't have to pay more taxes. They also suggested he be paid back, but it's not clear if he ever was.
King Charles II asked Sir Thomas for his support in a letter dated October 5, 1650. The King wrote to Sir Thomas again on April 12, 1651. This letter said Sir Thomas didn't have to host soldiers on his land. After Charles's defeat at the battle of Worcester, many people faced difficulties. However, Sir Thomas Burnett seemed to handle things well. General Monck wrote to him on December 26, 1651, promising him protection.
Helping Education
Sir Thomas Burnett worked with Bishop Patrick Forbes to improve King's College, Aberdeen. He helped fix problems and make the rules better. He loved his old university very much. In October 1648, he set up three Bursaries (scholarships) for students studying Philosophy at King's College. In 1649, Parliament again suggested Sir Thomas be part of a group to visit Aberdeen University.
Sir Thomas also helped the Grammar School of Banchory-Ternan. In October 1651, he gave 5,000 merks (an old Scottish coin) to the school.
Later, he built a hospital in Banchory. This hospital was for older people who lived on his lands. In October 1651, he set aside 6,300 merks from his lands in Crimond parish. This money was to support the people living in the hospital.
Family Life
Sir Thomas was married twice and had children with both wives. His first wife was Margaret Douglas. She was the oldest daughter of Sir Robert Douglas of Glenbervie. They had two sons and two daughters. Margaret passed away before August 1621.
He married again on August 9, 1621, to Jean Moncrieff. She was the daughter of Sir John Moncrieff and the widow of Sir Simon Fraser. They had three sons and four daughters.
A painting of Sir Thomas, made by the Scottish artist George Jameson, can still be seen at Crathes Castle.
