James Masterton (c1565-1616)
Burgess of Edinburgh
James Masterton, Burgess of Edinburgh, is mentioned a number of times in the records. On two occasions, he is linked to a brother Robert, a captain, and to his father Alexander Masterton of Baith (Beath). In 1594 he and his brother were imprisoned in Edinburgh presumably on suspicion of being a supporter of Francis Stewart, Earl of Bothwell, first cousin of King James VI of Scotland, and a notorious conspirator. After a complex series of disputes and reconciliations, formal sentence of treason was proclaimed against Bothwell on 18 February 1594/95. The Privy Council issued a Proclamation for a muster at Stirling for the pursuit of Bothwell on 2 April 1594, and all suspected supporters of Bothwell, including the Masterton brothers, must have been detained at least as a precaution, finally leading to Robert's exile. Francis Stewart escaped to France and finally died in poverty in Naples.
In 1594 there may have been two James Mastertons who were burgesses in Edinburgh. The Roll of Edinburgh Burgesses and Guild-Brethren has the following James Mastertons from the 16th Century:
James Mastertown, Burgess, merchant admitted 19 Aug. 1570
James Mastertown, Guild-brother, merchant, "ane auld burges of befoir the decreit arbitrall" admitted 16 Jan. 1592-3
James Mastertown, Burgess, merchant (hagbute) admitted 23 Nov. 1596
The third entry post-dates our James becoming a burgess, and the first two entries could be the same person, although
that would make James much older than seems likely from what we currently know.
Genealogy
James Masterton was a son of Alexander Masterton of Beath. He was married to Grissell Stewart, the sister of John Stewart, the Servitor to James, Earl of Moray. Further details of James Masterton's extended family may be found at this link.
Register of the Privy Council of Scotland
First Series, Vol IV, 1585-1592.
7 August 1588, Edinburgh
Caution in 300 merks by James Maistertoun, burgess of Edinburgh, for Johnne Smetoun in Turnourishill, that he will not harm Robert Halkett, now of Pitfirrane, son and apparent heir of the late George Halkett of Pitfirrane, or Elizabeth Hepburne, relict of the said George.
The Register of the Privy Council of Scotland
edited and abridged by David Masson, LLD
First Series, Vol IV (1585-1592), p. 313
HM General Register House
Edinburgh, 1881
Register of the Privy Council of Scotland
First Series, Vol V, 1592-1599.
4 May 1594, Edinburgh
Allane Coultis of Wester Rossyith for Robert and James Maistertonis, sons of Alexander Maistertoun of Baith, 500 merks each, to keep ward in burgh of Edinburgh till freed by his Majesty, - the said father and sons becoming sureties in relief.
The Register of the Privy Council of Scotland
edited and abridged by David Masson, LLD
First Series, Vol V (1592-1599), p. 618
HM General Register House
Edinburgh, 1882
14 May 1594, Edinburgh
Allane Coultis of Wester Rossyith for Robert and James Maistertonis, sons of Alexander Maistertoun of Baith, 500 merks each, not to reset or intercommune with any of the King's declared traitors and rebels, and to answer to any inquiries before the King and Council when required.
The Register of the Privy Council of Scotland
edited and abridged by David Masson, LLD
First Series, Vol V (1592-1599), p. 620
HM General Register House
Edinburgh, 1882
Register of the Privy Council of Scotland
Second Series, Vol VIII, 1544-1660.
6 September 1594, Edinburgh
21. Extract of act of caution dated at Edinburgh, 6th September, 1594, by James Maistertoun, merchant burgess of Edinburgh, for John Murray of Tuchadam, in £500 that he will not molest Henry and James Richardsoun, burgesses of Stirline, nor their wives, children, servants and goods. Extracted from the book of Acts and signed Joannes Skene, Cls. Regri, etc....
The Register of the Privy Council of Scotland
P Hume Brown (ed)
Second Series, Vol VIII, 1544-1660
p 254
HM General Register House
Edinburgh, 1908
Register of the Privy Council of Scotland
First Series, Vol V, 1592-1599.
30 November 1594, Edinburgh
James Maistertoun, burgess of Edinburgh, for captain Robert Maistertoun, his brother, £1000, to depart this realm within 30 days hereof and in the meantime not to reset Frances, sometime Earl Bothwill.
The Register of the Privy Council of Scotland
edited and abridged by David Masson, LLD
First Series, Vol V (1592-1599), p. 641
HM General Register House
Edinburgh, 1882
Register of the Privy Council of Scotland
First Series, Vol V, 1592-1599.
17 May 1595, Edinburgh
James Maistertoun, burgess of Edinburgh, and James Logane, clerk of the regality of Haliruidhous, for Sir George Buquhannane of that Ilk, £1000, to enter by 15th June next in ward in Edinburgh or the Canongait, Deleted by a warrant subscribed by the Chancellor of Edinburgh, 17th June 1595; J. Andro.
The Register of the Privy Council of Scotland
edited and abridged by David Masson, LLD
First Series, Vol V (1592-1599), p. 651
HM General Register House
Edinburgh, 1882
Register of the Privy Council of Scotland
First Series, Vol VI, 1599-1604.
8 July 1600, Edinburgh
Johnne Patoun of Middle Bellilisk, as principal, and James Maistertoun, merchant, and Hew Mekiljohnne, locksmith, burgesses of Edinburgh, 1000 merks, not to harm Johnne Johnestoun of Wester Bellilisk.
The Register of the Privy Council of Scotland
edited and abridged by David Masson, LLD
First Series, Vol VI (1599-1604), p. 656
HM General Register House
Edinburgh, 1884
Register of the Privy Council of Scotland
First Series, Vol VI, 1599-1604.
12 July 1600, Edinburgh
Johnne Johnestoun of Wester Bellilisk, as principal, and James Maistertoun, merchant, burgess of Edinburgh, as surety, 1000 merks, and both for William Arnote in Wester Leyis, Hector Robertsoun in Welholme and Andro Westwode in Hoilburne, 100 merks, each, not to harm Johnne Patoun of Middle Bellilisk.
The Register of the Privy Council of Scotland
edited and abridged by David Masson, LLD
First Series, Vol VI (1599-1604), p. 657
HM General Register House
Edinburgh, 1884
Register of the Great Seal of Scotland
1593-1608
1474. Apud Burgum de Edinburgh, 28 Jul 1603.
REX confirmavit cartam Andree Logane,
et Adami L. ejus filii et heredis apparentis,
— [qua, — pro perimpletione contractus
inter se, cum consensu Agnetis Leischman
sponse dicti And., et M. And. Lamb de
South Tarre predicatorem evangelii apud
Letham, Geo. Ferry portionarium de Restalrig et alios tanquam cautionarios suos,
ab una, et WALTERUM HENRYSOUN
scribam signeti regii ab altera partibus, de
data presentium, in libris dominorum concilii registrandi, — cum consensu dicte Ag.,
vendiderunt dicto Walt. — terras de Eister
Grantone, cum manerie et carbonibus (intra
bondas specificatas), vic. Edinburgh; terras
de Petterthie &c. (ut in carta 1471): —
TENEND. dicto Walt, et heredibus ejus de
corpore legit, procreatis, quibus deficientibus, Jacobo H. ejus filio naturali et heredibus &c. (ut supra), quibus def., Gulielmo
H. burgensi de Dundie fratri dicti Walt.,
heredibus ejus et assignatis quibuscunque,
de dicto Andrea : — REDDEND. unum den.
albe firme ; necnon superiori dicti And. pro
Eister Grantone 10 merc., pro ceteris 5 lib.,
feudifirme : — cum clausula warrantizationis,
exceptis annuis redditibus alienatis Thome
Fischear et Jacobo Mitchell mercatoribus
burgen. de Edinburgh, sub duabus reversionibus oontinentibus unaquaque summam
3000 merc: — cum precepto sasine: — TEST.
Roberto Hepburne de Alderstoun, Olivero
Sinclair de Ravinisnuke, Davide Williamsoun mercatore burgensi de Edinburgh,
And. Plumbar scriba, Donaldo M'Gilchreist
servitore dicti Walteri (scriptore carte),
necnon M. Jac. Donaldsone advocato, Jo.
Logane in Leyth, Jac. Maistertoun, Davide
Mitchelsone, mercatoribus burgensibus de
Edinburgh, et dicto Donaldo : — Apud
Edinburgum, 28 Jul. et 4 Aug. 1601]: —
PRETEREA, pro bono servitio, ac pro compositione persoluta, suprascripta dicto
Walt. de novo dedit, cum lie wrak &c. (ut
in carta 1471), et cum jure suo ratione
alienationis facte per dictum And., vel per
D. Jo. Melvill de Carnebie militem aut Jo.
Melvill ejus patrem aut alios eorum predecessores : — TEST, ut in aliis cartis &c.
xliii. 358.
The Register of the Great Seal of Scotland
John Maitland Thomson (eds)
AD 1593-1608
HM General Register House
p. 538
Edinburgh, 1890
Register of the Privy Council of Scotland
Second Series, Vol VIII, 1544-1660.
11 February 1607, Edinburgh
66. Supplication by James Maistertoun in Baith as follows:- On 8th February instant, being Sabbath, he being "in the kirk of Dunfermling at the eftirnone's preitching siting besyde the bailleis of the toun of Dunfermling and lippynning for nathing les than ony harme or injurie to have beene offerrit to me in that place, being the house of God quhair the haill parriochynnairs wer convenit to his service, notwithstanding it is of treuth that Patrik Halket, brother to Sir Patrik Halket of Pitfirren, being informit that I wes in the said kirk and nocht contenting himselff to await the ending of the preitching bot in contempt of God and of his Majestie resolveing to execute his privat grudge aganis me within the said kirk in the verie meantyme of the preitching, he for this effect addresses himselff directlie towardis the place quhair I wes sitting in the kirk besyde the bailyeis, as said is, and in his going by me he, with his fauldit neve, strak me upoun the face, with the quhilk attempt, in regaird of the tyme and place, I patientlie comportit, houping to have ressaved na forder injurie of him at that tyme, bot he placeing himselff upoun the other syde of the baillie quha sat betuix us awaiting the occasioun to be forder revengit upoun me, sa sone as the minister wes at the prayer, persaveing me at my prayer, haveing my face coverit with my hatt, he moist schamefullie, cruellie and unhonnestlie er evir I wes war of him, strak me behind my bak with ane durk upoun the heid and hes woundit me deidlie therwith and preissit to have bereft me altogidder of my lyff wer not he wes stayed be the said baillie and certane utheris wuha wer sitting in the dask besyde us. Quhilk vyld and detestable fact commitit within the kirk of God in tyme of preitching, as it is maist offensive to God sua is it a insolence verie contemptible aganis his Majestie and of a maist wiked and foull example, the oursicht and impunitie quherof will incurage utheris insolent and lawles personis to commit the lyk, without remeid be providit." He craves summons against the said Patrick to compear and give his oath anent the premises, under pain of exemplary punishment.
[On the back] "Apud Edinburgh, undecimo Februarij, 1607. Fiat ut petitur. (Signed) S.R. COKBURNE"
The Register of the Privy Council of Scotland
edited and abridged by P Hume Brown
Second Series, Vol VIII, (1544-1660), p. 270
HM General Register House
Edinburgh, 1908
Register of the Great Seal of Scotland
1609-20
533. Apud Edinburgh, 11 Jul 1611.
REX concessit ALEXANDRO et ROBERTO COWPERS prolibus legitimis
quondam Adami Cowper de Gogar, eorumque heredibus et assignatis, — terras ac lie
Maynis de Strathuird cum fortalicio et
manerie, terras de Lothok cum molendino
et terris molendinariis, vic. Perth; — que
fuerunt Joannis Creichtoun de Strathuird ;
et (bonis mobilibus apud maneriem, villam,
terras et lie Maynis de Strathurd, villam,
terras et molendinum de Lothok, terras de
Balbrogy, Willishauch, Gallowhill, Mekil
et Littil Hiltoun, ad dictum Jo. pertinentes, et apud domum habitationis de
Calleis, villas et terras de Eister Callie,
Westir C. et Middill C. alias Monkis-Callie,
et molendinum granorum de Callie, ad
And. Hering de Callie pertinentes, frustra
quesitis), 4 Jul. 1611 (comparentibus M.
Jo. Laing de Spittall, Jac. Maistertoun,
Rob. Dennestoun et And. Cowper, tutoribus testamentariis dictorum Alex, et Rob.,
cum Jo. Dawling advocato et M. Jo. Dickesoun scriba eorum prolocutoribus, necnon
Rob. Kirkwod scriba procuratore pro Jacobo
Dykis burgen. de Perth et Eliz. Watsoun
ejus sponsa), dicte terre appreciate fuerunt1
et (postquam per Jo. Layng nuncium ad
vendendum oblate sunt) dictis Alex. et
Rob. C. disposite pro 4000 lib. eis debitis,
et pro 200 lib. pro feodo Joannis Ambrose
nuncii, vicecomitis in hac parte : — RESERVANDO dictis Jac. Dykis et Eliz. annuum
redditum 100 mercarum de molendino de
Lothok cum ejus terris &c., et alterum ann.
red. 100 merc. de eisdem, in baronia de
Ragortoun, vic. Perth, eis per dictum Jo.
C. concessum sub reversione 2000 merc.
(instrumento sasine dato 5 Jun. 1610, sub
signo et subscriptione Willelmi Robertsoun
notarii) : — et voluit rex quod dictus Jo. C.,
heredes ejus et assignati, haberent regressum
quandocunque dictas summas persolverent
infra septennium : — TEST. ut in aliis cartis
&c.
P.R. i. 136.
1Names of assize ; — Pat. Setoun of Lathrisk, Rob. Arnote of Fairny (chancellor), David Williamsoun elder, Tho. Fischer, Tho. Adinstoun, Wil. Patersoun, John Cunynghame, all merchant burgesses of Edinburgh, Edw. Pantoun citizen of Dunkeld, Jas. Saltoun merchant burgess of Edinburgh, Wil. Kynnynmonth, Jas. Bonar of Rossy, Adam Bothuell indweller of the Canongate, Adam Thompsoun apothecary, James Heriot merchant, David Heriot goldsmith, burgesses of Edinburgh. The bond was dated 5 and 22 June 1609, recorded in the books of the lords of council 29 May 1610, granted by Sir David Hering of Lethindie knight, Sir Rob. Creichtoun of Cluny knight, Jas. Scrymgeour of Fordell, and the said John Creichtoun and And. Hering.
The Register of the Great Seal of Scotland
John Maitland Thomson (eds)
AD 1609-20
HM General Register House
p. 198
Edinburgh, 1892
Register of the Privy Council of Scotland
First Series, Vol IX. 1610-13.
30 July 1612, Edinburgh.
Complaint by Alexander and Robert Couperis, lawful bairns of the late Adam Couper of Gogar, and by James Maistertoun, Robert Dennestoun, and Andro Couper, tutors testamentory to the said bairns, that Sir Robert Crichtoun of Cluny, Sir David Hering of Lethentie, James Scymgeour of Fardill, Andro Hering of Callow, and Johnne Creichtoun of Strathend, remain unrelaxed from hornings of 27th and 28th of June 1610 and 1st June 1611 for not paying to the said bairns, or said tutors in their names, £4000, as specified in their letters obligatory. - James Maistertoun appearing for himself and the other pursuers, defenders, not appearing, are to be apprehended, &c.
The Register of the Privy Council of Scotland
D Masson(ed)
First Series, Vol IX, 1610-13
p 423.
HM General Register House
Edinburgh, 1889
Register of the Great Seal of Scotland
1609-20
811. Apud Edinburgh, 2 Feb 1613.
REX concessit HELENE et JONETE
KYNLOCHIS, executricibus quondam
Francisci Kynloch mercatoris burgen. de
Edinburgh earum patris, heredibus earum
et assignatis, — villam et terras lie Mylntoun de Moynes, terras de Erlissait, vic.
de Narne ; — que fuerunt Roberti Dumbar
feodatarii de Moynes et Marjorie Dumbar
ejus sponse ; et (dictis Rob. et Mar. citatis
apud maneriem seu locum de Moynes), 16
Jan. 1613 (comparentibus dictis Helena et
Jon., M. Petro Kynloche de Alderstoun
scriba uno curatorum dicte Jon., et M. Jo.
Dicksone procuratore pro Davide Kynloche fratre dictarum Hel. et Jon. et altero
curatore dicte Jon., cum M. Tho. Hope
advocato eorum prolocutore, necnon M. Jo.
Dampster advocato procuratore pro . . .
Dumbar seniore de Moynes), appreciate
fuerunt pro 1086 mercis dictis Hel. et
Jon. debitis,1 et pro 54 merc. 4 sol. pro
feodo Walteri Smyith nuncii, vicecomitis
in hac parte : — et voluit rex quod dicti
Rob. et Mar., heredes eorum et assignati,
haberent regressum quandocunque dictas
summas cum expensis hujus carte persolverent infra septennium : — TEST. ut in aliis
cartis &c.
P.R. i. 190.
1By obligation dated 12 May 1602, umquhile Alexander Dumbar of Westfeild sheriff of Murray bound himself to deliver to Alex. Vans merchant burgess of Edinburgh 320 bolls bear "cum caritate," of the measure of the town of Leyth, at the ports of Findorne or Spay, before 20 June 1602, or to pay 10 merks for each boll undelivered, with £40 liquidate expenses. The bond was recorded in the books of council, 6 July 1608, at the instance of said Francis as assignee of said Alex. Vaus, as against Dorothia, the said Marjory, and Jonet Dumbaris heirs portioners of said Alex. D., and against umq. Alex. Dumbar of Weistfeild (who died before 30 June 1612), spouse of Dorothia, Wil. Dumbar brother german of Mr Jas. D. of Tarbett spouse of Jonet, and the said Rob. D. spouse of Marjory ; and it was transferred to said Helen and Jonet Kynlochis 30 June 1612, each of the heirs portioners being liable for one third of the debt ; and the same jury apprized one third of the fishing boat of Inverspey with its salmon and other fishings, in the regality of Urquhart and sheriffdom of Elgin and Forres (held of Alexander earl of Drumfermling lord Fyvie and Wrquhart chancellor of Scotland), for the third due by said Wil. and Jonet Dumbar, who were cited at their dwelling-house in Dumphaill and at the town and lands of Quhytraw belonging to said Wil. The denunciation of the said fishing boat for apprizing was made (inter alia) at the place called the Horologestane, where royal letters within said regality were in use to be executed.
Names of assize, summoned by John Andersoun messenger : — John Barclay, Nicolas Wdwart, Jas. Maistertoun, merchants, Robert and James Denneistoun goldsmiths, Adam Thomesoune apothecary, John Knowis writer (chancellor), Robert Thomesoune goldsmith, Mr Alexander Patersoun apothecary, Joh. Huchesone and David Denneistoun merchants, John Frame tailor, Jas. Huchesone and Wil. Keiny merchants, Jas. Stratoun, burgesses of Edinburgh.
The Register of the Great Seal of Scotland
John Maitland Thomson (eds)
AD 1609-20
HM General Register House
p. 303
Edinburgh, 1892
Register of the Great Seal of Scotland
1609-20
832. Apud Edinburgh, 9 Apr 1613.
REX, — cum consensu &c. (175.), — ad
feudifirmam dimisit JACOBO MAISTERTOUN mercatori burgensi de Edinburgh,
heredibus ejus et assignatis quibuscunque,
— octavam partem de Soutartoun, tenementum et croftam nuncupat. Welcroft, cum
pastura 4 summarum, unius equi et auce
matricis (ultimo per quondam Alex. Murray et Eliz. Ohphant ejus sponsam possessas), in baronia de Cardny, vic. Perth ; —
que olim ad monasterium de Inchaffray
pertinuerunt : — REDDEND. pro Soutartoun
13 sol. 8 den., cum caponibus, pultreis, et
multuris ad molendina dicti monast. debitis et consuetis, necnon pro gressumis et
augmentatione rentalis 3 sol. 4 den. ; — pro
Welcroft 5 sol., et multuras dictis molendinis consuet. ; cum presentia in curiis capitalibus et aliis apud dictum monast. ; — et
duplicando feudifirmam in introitu heredum ; et observando &c. (ut in carta 4) :
— TEST, ut in aliis cartis &c.
xlvii. 99.
The Register of the Great Seal of Scotland
John Maitland Thomson (eds)
AD 1609-20
HM General Register House
p. 308
Edinburgh, 1892
Register of the Privy Council of Scotland
First Series, Vol X. 1613-16.
17 June 1613, Edinburgh.
Complaint by Alexander and Robert Couper, sons of the late Adam Couper of Gogar, heritable proprietors of the lands, &c, referred to below, and by James Maistertoun, Robert Dennestoun, goldsmith, burgess of Edinburgh, and Andro Couper, writer there, tutors, for their interest, that Johne Creichtoun of Strathurd, William Creichtoun, his brother, Johnne Thome in Loak, Andro Logie there, Andro Boyd there, and William Logie there, remain unrelaxed from a horning of 15th April last for not paying to pursuers the "victuall caynis" and other duties and the rents of the lands possessed by each, or else the value of the same as specified in the said letters of horning, together with £10 of expenses and 40s as colelctor's fee. - Pursuers appearing by Archibald Douglas, macer, and defenders not appearing, the Lords order the Captain of the Guard to apprehend defenders, seize their houses, and inventory their goods for the King's use.
The Register of the Privy Council of Scotland
D Masson(ed)
First Series, Vol X, 1613-16
p. 84
HM General Register House
Edinburgh, 1891.
Register of the Privy Council of Scotland
First Series, Vol X. 1613-16.
24 August 1614, Edinburgh.
This day appeared James Maistertoun, merchant burgess of Edinburgh, and became cautioner for the Earl of Mar, in the matter of the commission of justiciary granted by the Lords on the same day (supra), that the said Earl and his Bailies shall be responsible to the Treasurer and his Depute for half of the escheat goods of all persons convicted by the said commission. (signed) James Maistertoun (autograph).
The Register of the Privy Council of Scotland
D Masson(ed)
First Series, Vol X, 1613-16
p. 264
HM General Register House
Edinburgh, 1891.
William Wellwood and Bessie Nichol his wife to pay Grizel Stewart widow of James Masterton, 20s for malt.
Dunfermline Court and Council Records 1619-32
17 February, 1621