William Murray (valet) facts for kids
William Murray was an important helper for King James VI of Scotland. He worked as a "valet of the king's chamber," which meant he was a personal servant who helped the king in his private rooms.
William's father, James Murray, was the barber for King James V. William Murray himself was also known as a barber. He even helped King James VI's father, Lord Darnley, and traveled to France in 1571.
Working for the King
William Murray served the young King James VI at Stirling Castle. He started as a valet in 1569. A valet was a special servant who helped the king with his daily needs. Sometimes, he was called a "cubicular," which is another word for a bedchamber servant.
In 1577, William got another job. He became a "varlet of the wardrobe." This meant he also helped manage the king's clothes and personal items.
Murray's Tasks and Purchases
William Murray often bought things for King James VI. In 1574, he helped decorate the king's study at Stirling Castle. He used green paint, copper tacks, and green wool cloth to make the room look nice.
He also bought bird seed for the king's parrots in 1576. He even helped build a wire cage for the birds in the king's room. William also bought cords to hang the bird cages. He even bought tennis rackets for the king to play with!
William also made sure the king had new clothes. He brought clothes made by the king's tailors in Edinburgh to the king at Stirling. For New Year's Day in 1579, William bought 24 gold rings. These rings were gifts for King James VI to give to others.
By 1591, William Murray was one of four main valets serving the king. The other valets were William Stewart, John Gibb, and John Stewart of Rosland.
