Thomas Musgrave of Bewcastle facts for kids
Thomas Musgrave, Captain of Bewcastle was an English soldier and landowner who played a big role in the politics along the border between England and Scotland. He was in charge of Bewcastle Castle for Elizabeth I, the Queen of England.
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Thomas was the younger son of Sir Simon Musgrave. His father was also in charge of Bewcastle and made Thomas his helper, or "deputy," as the Captain of Bewcastle.
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Life on the Border: Dealing with Reivers and Rebels
Life on the border was often tricky. In 1582, Thomas's brother captured some members of the Scottish Armstrong family. These people were later executed, which made the feud between families on both sides of the border even worse. This led to attacks on Bewcastle.
The Graham and Carleton families also got involved. They targeted Thomas Musgrave after he killed Arthur Graham in Scotland and took his cattle. English border officials were careful not to send more soldiers to Bewcastle. They worried it would make the tension on the border even higher. In 1583, Thomas Musgrave wrote a report for William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley, describing the Scottish border and the family connections there.
Thomas Musgrave and the Scottish Rebel
Musgrave was a friend of a Scottish rebel named Francis Stewart, 5th Earl of Bothwell. Bothwell tried to capture James VI of Scotland and Anne of Denmark at Falkland Palace. Thomas Musgrave was accused of being there and helping to raid the town of Falkland. He was even said to have stolen the King's own horse, "Gray Valentine."
After the raid, Musgrave allowed Bothwell to stay with him at Bewcastle. Because of his involvement, Musgrave was put in prison in England for a while. He still kept in touch with Bothwell, hoping to help him meet Queen Elizabeth I.
The English diplomat in Edinburgh, Robert Bowes, tried to help Musgrave. He asked James VI to write to Queen Elizabeth for Musgrave's release. James VI was still angry about the raid. He also heard that one of Musgrave's brothers was still helping Bothwell at Bewcastle.
In 1596, Musgrave was captured by Kinmont Willie Armstrong and taken to Scotland. James VI was happy about this capture. Musgrave was returned to England after a few weeks. During this time, he met the Laird of Buccleuch. This incident might be part of the story in a old song called Jamie Telfer of the Fair Dodhead.
A Surprising Friendship with the King
Even though James VI was angry with Musgrave at first, they later became friends. In September 1601, an English diplomat reported that Musgrave had "merry cracks" (fun chats) with the King at Stirling Castle. They even drank together. Musgrave joked about having a friendly joust with James if he ever went against Queen Elizabeth. They also watched Prince Henry dance and practice with a long spear called a pike.
Facing Accusations and Challenges
In 1602, Thomas Musgrave was supposed to have a duel, or "judicial combat," with Lancelot Carleton. Carleton had accused Musgrave of treason, saying that Musgrave had offered Bewcastle to James VI and that the castle was a place for thieves. We don't know what happened in the duel. It seems Musgrave was called to London instead to meet Sir Robert Cecil.
Later, in November, James VI heard the rumor again about Musgrave helping thieves at Bewcastle. The King declared he would ride to Bewcastle himself and hang Musgrave on the castle wall!
After James VI became King of both Scotland and England, he gave some lands that Musgrave had been using to his Scottish friend, John Murray. Musgrave protested this decision.
Family Life
Thomas Musgrave married Ursula, who was the daughter of Sir Reginald Carnaby. Ursula had a son from a previous marriage, Sir Henry Widdrington. Sadly, Ursula died in 1592 while Musgrave was in prison. His second wife was Scottish, and her first name was Susanna.
Susanna's daughter, Catherine, married Sir Richard Graham. He was an important person at the royal court and traveled with King Charles I.
There was also a rumor in 1599 that Musgrave had a daughter who married a Scottish laird named Sym Armstrong.
