Thomas Somerville, 1st Lord Somerville facts for kids
Thomas Somerville, who became the 1st Lord Somerville, was an important figure in Scotland in the 1400s. He was a member of the Scottish Parliament and helped the country in many ways, including working to free the king. He was known for having a lot of land and influence during his time.
In 1423, Thomas Somerville, also known as the Lord of Carnwath, traveled to London. He went as an ambassador, which means he was a special messenger or representative for Scotland. His mission was to negotiate the release of James I of Scotland. King James I had been held captive in England for many years.
Thomas Somerville also had another important job. In 1424, he was a Warden of the March. This meant he was in charge of protecting the Scottish Borders from attacks and keeping peace in that area.
Later, in May 1425, he was part of a special court, called an assize, at Stirling Castle. This court made important decisions, and Thomas Somerville helped decide the case against Murdoch Stewart, Duke of Albany. Around 1425–1430, Thomas Somerville likely started the Collegiate Church at Carnwath. This church included a special burial place for his family. He also helped fix up the church in Linton, Roxburghshire.
Lands and Wealth
Thomas Somerville was very wealthy and powerful. A family historian, James, 11th Lord Somerville, wrote that during Thomas's life, the Somerville family had its greatest amount of land, power, and influence.
Thomas Somerville owned four large areas of land called baronies:
- Carnwath in Lanarkshire
- Cambusnethan in North Lanarkshire
- Linton in Roxburgh
- Plean in Stirlingshire
In 1412, when his uncle Thomas Somerville passed away, he also inherited more estates. These included Gilmerton, Drum, and Goodtrees, which were all near Edinburgh. He also owned land in Quothquan and Newbigging in Lanarkshire. Plus, he had land in Broughton in Peebleshire. The land at Cambusnethan came to him through his wife, Janet.
His Family
Thomas Somerville, the 1st Lord Somerville, married Janet Stewart. She was the daughter of Alexander Stewart of Darnley (d.1404). They were married before July 1392.
They had several children:
- Their oldest daughter, Mary, married Sir William Hay of Yester.
- Another daughter, Geillis, married Sir Robert Logan of Restalrig.
- Their daughter Margaret married Roger Kirkpatrick of Closeburn in Niddsdale.
Thomas Somerville's son, William Somerville, 2nd Lord Somerville, became his heir. This means William inherited his father's title and lands. William married Janet Mowat of Stenness. The 1st Lord Somerville passed away in December 1434.
