William Stewart (courtier) facts for kids

William Stewart was a Scottish courtier who lived from about 1585 to 1600. He worked for King James VI and traveled with him. William Stewart had an important role in the king's daily life and helped manage his money.

Working for the King

In 1591, William Stewart was a "valet" in King James VI's royal household. A valet was a personal servant who helped the king with his daily needs. Other valets at that time included William Murray and John Gibb.

Some people think William Stewart might have been a servant of Regent Morton in 1581. Regent Morton was a powerful leader who ruled Scotland for the young King James VI.

Travels with King James VI

William Stewart traveled with King James VI to Norway and Denmark in 1589 and 1590. This trip was very important because the king went to meet his future wife, Anne of Denmark.

A Danish record listed everyone who was with the king. William Stewart and John Gibb were listed near the end, showing they were close to the king.

Stewart as the King's Pursemaster

While in Denmark, King James VI enjoyed playing cards. William Stewart had a special job: he was the king's "pursemaster." This meant he was in charge of the king's money for games. He paid out the money the king lost.

King James used money from his queen's dowry, which was a gift of money or property. For example, on March 4, 1590, the king lost 4 dalers playing a game called "mont." He also lost 41 dalers playing a dice game called "mumchance." Stewart also gave out tips when the king visited ships or other places.

The king also liked a card game called 'maye'. He played this game at Kinneil House during Christmas in 1588.

Rewards and Royal Duties

In 1591, William Stewart and another royal servant, John Stewart of Rosland, received a special reward. They were given the "escheat" of James Hall of Foulbar. An escheat was property that was taken by the king because its owner had done something wrong.

King James VI also wrote a letter in 1591. He asked Lord Ross of Halkhead to pay money owed to William Stewart and John Stewart for the lands of Foulbar. This shows how the king rewarded his loyal servants.

In April 1592, King James VI sent Stewart to deliver an important message. Stewart had to tell the Earl of Atholl to come and meet the king in Perth.

William Stewart was still a valet in the king's chamber in 1594. He received new clothes for a special event. These clothes cost 300 Scots pounds and were for the baptism of Prince Henry.

John Stewart, a Fellow Valet

John Stewart, another valet who had worked for the king since 1583, passed away in 1593. The royal master of work, William Schaw, arranged for his coffin to be made. John Stewart's widow, Lucrece Fleming, later married Robert Graham. King James VI even wrote to an English official, Lord Scrope, to help Lucrece get her husband's money after Robert Graham died.

Other People Named William Stewart

During this time, there were several other important men also named William Stewart. It can sometimes be confusing to tell them apart! Some of these other William Stewarts included:

• William Stewart of Houston, also known as Colonel Stewart, who also traveled with King James VI in Denmark.
• William Stewart of Dundee, a ship captain who commanded one of the king's ships in Denmark.
• William Stewart of Monkton (died 1588), who was the Provost (a type of mayor) of Ayr.
• William Stewart of Caverston, who was the Captain of Dumbarton Castle.