William Borthwick, 6th Lord Borthwick facts for kids
William Borthwick, 6th Lord Borthwick (died 1582) was an important Scottish landowner and a member of the Scottish nobility. He was the son of John, 5th Lord Borthwick, and Isobel Lindsay.
William Borthwick became involved in Scottish politics during a very interesting time. On 22 August 1567, he attended the Privy Council of Scotland, which was a group of advisors to the monarch. During this meeting, an important document called the act of abdication was read. This act meant that Mary, Queen of Scots, gave up her throne. After this, James, Earl of Moray, was chosen to be the Regent of Scotland. A Regent is someone who rules the country when the true monarch is too young or unable to rule.
Family Life and Challenges
William Borthwick married Grissel Scott. She was the daughter of Walter Scott of Branxholme and Buccleuch and Janet Beaton.
In 1578, Grissel Scott sought a legal separation from William. She explained that his actions were causing her great distress and that she had been living apart from him in Edinburgh for about a year and a half. The Privy Council of Scotland ordered William to pay her a daily amount of money while the court case was ongoing.
Later that year, the council decided that William and Grissel should try to resolve their differences. William agreed not to allow certain people, Elspeth Preston and Margaret Scott, to stay at Borthwick Castle. He argued that he should not have to pay the daily money because he had invited Grissel to return to the castle and live with him again, but she had refused. In December 1581, William signed an agreement to pay for Grissel's living expenses. In October 1582, she received £111 for her support.
William and Grissel had seven children together. Five of their children lived to adulthood:
- William Borthwick, Master of Borthwick (died 1571)
- James Borthwick, 7th Lord Borthwick
- William Borthwick
- John Borthwick
- Alexander Borthwick
After William Borthwick passed away, Grissel Scott married William Cairncross of Colmslie. In February 1593, they gained control of the tower of Lugat in the Stow area.