Walter Stewart, 1st Lord Blantyre facts for kids
Walter Stewart, 1st Lord Blantyre (died 8 March 1617) was an important Scottish politician, administrator, and judge. He worked closely with King James VI of Scotland.
Life and Work
Walter Stewart was the son of Sir John Stewart of Minto and Margaret Stewart. He grew up learning alongside the young King James VI at Stirling Castle. His teacher was a famous scholar named George Buchanan.
As an adult, Walter Stewart held many important jobs for the King:
- He was a gentleman in the King's special group of helpers.
- He was the Prior of Blantyre.
- He served as the Keeper of the Privy Seal of Scotland from 1582 to 1596. This role was like being a chief secretary, keeping important royal documents.
- He became an Extraordinary Lord of Session in 1593, which meant he was a special judge.
- He was part of a group called the Octavians from 1596, who helped manage the country's money.
- He was the Treasurer of Scotland from 1596 to 1599, meaning he was in charge of the country's finances.
Working for the King
In May 1580, Walter Stewart was one of 25 gentlemen chosen to always be with King James VI when he rode out or went to the fields. This group helped the King with his daily activities.
Between 1587 and 1593, Walter Stewart was in charge of the area of Glasgow. He managed it for the young Duke of Lennox. This meant he chose the local leaders and the main official, the Provost of Glasgow.
In 1591, King James VI asked Walter Stewart and another official, John Carmichael, to arrest an Irish rebel named Brian O'Rourke. They had to take him to England. This caused a big problem in Glasgow. People were angry because they thought the arrest would hurt their trade with Ireland. They called Stewart and Carmichael "Queen Elizabeth's knights" and criticized the King for taking "English angels" (money) from Queen Elizabeth. Stewart and Carmichael hoped O'Rourke would be spared, but he was executed.
In 1593, Walter Stewart joined a group that managed the money and lands of Anne of Denmark, the Queen. He also helped check the accounts of money spent on the King and Queen's trips. This money came from England and the Queen's dowry (money she brought into the marriage).
Later Years
In 1596, Walter Stewart was responsible for a prisoner named Angus McDonald McConneil and his family. They were moved from Dumbarton Castle to a house in Dumbarton, then to Stewart's own Cardonald Castle, and finally to Glasgow.
In February 1597, Walter Stewart had an accident and broke his leg in Edinburgh. While he was recovering, another lord took over his treasurer duties. By 1599, King James VI, influenced by other courtiers, made Walter Stewart leave his job as Treasurer.
In July 1602, Walter Stewart was part of a special committee. This group, made up of four men named Stewart, helped settle a disagreement between two powerful lords, the Marquess of Huntly and the Earl of Moray.
In 1604, he was chosen to be a commissioner, working on the idea of uniting Scotland and England. In 1606, he was given the title of Lord Blantyre, a Scottish noble title. His son, William Stewart, later took over this title.
Family
Walter Stewart married Nicola Somerville in December 1582. She was the daughter of Sir James Somerville of Cambusnethan.
Walter and Nicola had several children, including:
- William Stewart, who became the 2nd Lord Blantyre.
- Walter Stewart, who became a doctor.
- Sir James Stewart (died 1609), who married Dorothy Hastings. He died on 8 November 1609 in a duel with Sir George Wharton, who also died.
- Anne Stewart, who had a daughter named Margaret Hamilton with James Hamilton, 2nd Marquess of Hamilton.
Walter Stewart also had a half-brother, Matthew Stewart of Minto, who was the main official of Glasgow four times.
