William Wallace of Failford facts for kids

William Wallace of Failford (who lived and worked between 1580 and 1616) was an important Scottish person. He worked for the King and owned land. He was known as a "courtier" because he spent time at the royal court, helping the king.

Early Life and Family

William Wallace was born into the Wallace family of Craigie. This family owned Craigie Castle in South Ayrshire, Scotland. William was a younger son, meaning he wasn't the first in line to inherit everything. He held the title of minister and owner of Failford, which was also known as Fail Monastery.

His father was named Hugh or William Wallace. His mother was Margaret Kennedy. She was the daughter of the Laird of Bargany, another important landowner. Later, Margaret Kennedy married Gilbert Kennedy, 3rd Earl of Cassilis. William's half-sister, Katherine Kennedy, married Sir Patrick Vans of Barnbarroch.

Travels with King James VI

William Wallace was part of a special group that traveled with James VI of Scotland. In 1590, they went to Norway and Denmark. The purpose of this trip was for King James to meet his future wife, Anne of Denmark.

While in Denmark, William Wallace wrote a letter to Sir Patrick Waus of Barnbarroch. Sir Patrick had already returned to Scotland from Oslo. In his letter, William described the journey to Denmark. He mentioned how they were welcomed at places like Bohus and Varberg in Sweden.

Life at Court

William Wallace also wrote about some disagreements among the Scottish lords during the trip. He mentioned that the Justice Clerk, Lewis Bellenden, was to be sent to England. The Lord Chancellor, John Maitland of Thirlstane, was planning to go to Lübeck, and William hoped to travel with him.

During this time, William Wallace was given a special job in the king's household. He became a "carver" or "cup-bearer" for the king. This meant he helped serve the king's meals or drinks. He said that they spent time hunting in Denmark. However, he also joked that they were very thirsty!

Royal Dowry and Other News

In his letter, William Wallace shared more news. He wrote that King James had spoken to Sophie of Mecklenburg-Güstrow, who was Anne of Denmark's mother. The King praised Sir Patrick Barnbarroch for his good service and for his small ship during the journey.

William also heard that the dowry money (a payment from the bride's family) might not be spent. This news made many people unhappy. It was part of a disagreement between Chancellor Maitland and the Earl Marischal and his relative William Keith of Delny.

Wallace also mentioned that he had passed on Barnbarroch's good wishes to several important Danish figures. These included Gert Rantzau (Captain of Kronborg Castle), Henrik Ramel, and Richard Wedderburn. He also sent a note about the Danish royal family and their council. Gert Rantzau had written to Barnbarroch earlier, mentioning William's brother, John Wallace, as a relative.

Family and Later Life

William Wallace married Jonet Cathcart, who later became known as "Lady Faill." They had many children together. Their children included William, Nathan, Robert, Elizabeth, Helen, Margaret, Jean, Annabel, and Marie.

William Wallace of Failford passed away in 1616. After his death, some of the property at Failford went to Walter Whyteford instead of directly to William's son. However, his son, also named William, still became known as William Wallace of Failford.