Henry Sinclair (abt. 1489 - 1565)

Born about 1489 in Roslin, Midlothian, Scotland

Ancestors

Died 2 Jan 1565 at about age 76 in France.

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Biography

Given as his father's second son by Nisbet^[1] and Douglas.^[2] However as George was the eldest and William the next in line he must have been the third son. It seems probable that he was born well before 1508 (as given in some sources). His parents were married before 1485 and his eldest brother George is already married in 1508.

Both Henry and his clerical brother John used their father's Arms undifferenced.^[3]

Henry Sinclair was Dean of Glasgow,1550, Abbot or Perpetual Commendator of the Abbey of Kilwinning, 1541, and Rector of Glasgow, 1539. He was also an "Ordinary Lord of Session as far back as 1541 and its President in 1544". He died 2nd January 1565 in France.^[4]

"Dr.Henry Sinclair, who being bred to the church was long in King James V's family, by whom he was highly esteemed. He acquired the lands of Stevenson in the constabulary of Haddington^[5] which lands he resigned in favour of his brother James in 1537 [see his notes]. Henry had the Rectorship of Glasgow conferred upon him, in 1539; and being a man of great knowledge in our laws, as well as an able divine, was constituted one of the Ordinary Lords of Session, and Perpetual Commendator of Kilwinning Abbey in 1541, and was afterwards appointed Bishop of Ross.^[6]

There is a Charter of Isobel Levinstoun, relict of Oliver Sinclair, Lady of Roslyn, to Master Henry Sinclair, her [step]-son, of the £10. lands in Over Libertoun, and one mark land called Soytorland, in all 16 marks of land dated 5th December 1537.^[7] Henry appears to have conveyed this to his brother Robert.

On 25th August 1536 Henry purchased the estate of Stevenstoun, with its manor, fortalice, mill, fishing rights, etc., not far distant from Haddington.^[8]

In a further charter dated 5th December 1537 of Henry Sinclair, 'the King's beloved clerk', was confirmed by King James V at Edinburgh where Henry is referred to as the 'son of the late Sir Oliver Sinclair of Roslin, knight', and grant's to his brother-german, James Sinclair, his heirs and assignees, the lands of Stevenstoun, with the tower, etc., moor, mill, fishing in the Tyne, right of patronage of the chaplainry or altar of the holy blood founded and situated within the parish church of Haddington, lying in the constabulary of Haddington, and sheriffdom of Edinburgh. To be held from the granter, and blench of the King. Witnesses: Henry Wardlaw of Kilaberton, John Sinclair, Prebendary of Corstorphine [Henry's brother], Mr.Alexander Livingstone, chaplain of the chapel of St.Anthony, near Edinburgh, Mr.David Rowok, John Buchanan and Alexander Young, notaries.^[9]

Alexander Lawder, son to Robert Lauder of the Bass, was given license as Roman Catholic Parson [or Rector] of Glasgow, with all honours and dignities, parsonage, deanery, etc., which had been resigned in his favour by Henry Sinclair, Parson [or Rector] of Glasgow,^[10] (brother of Alexander's mother, so his uncle).

There is a charter by Henry Sinclare, perpetual Commendator of the monastery of Kilwynnyng, and Rector of the metropolitan church of Glasgow, to his cousin Mr. Robert Heriot, son of deceased John Heriot, and the heirs of his body, failing whom to William Lauder, lawful son of Robert Lauder of The Bass, of said kirklands of Curry [Midlothian] to be held of Mr. Walter Betoun, Archdeacon of Lothian, and Rector of the parish church of Curry, and his successors in feu, for the annual feu duty of £5 Scots payable by equal portions at Whitsunday and Martinmas. Signed and sealed at Edinburgh, 23rd May 1550.^[11]

Sources

1. ↑ A System of Heraldry by Alexander Nisbet, 1722 [1984 facsimile], vol.1, pps:119-120, vol.2, appendix, p.165.
2. ↑ The Baronage of Scotland by Sir Robert Douglas, Edinburgh, 1774, p.247.
3. ↑ Bertie, David M., The Heraldry of the Bishops of Scotland, The Heraldry Society of Scotland, Edinburgh, 2018, p.249. ISBN: 978-1-9999794-0-9
4. ↑ Keith's Scottish Bishops edited by John Spottiswoode, Edinburgh 1824, p.193.
5. ↑ The Great Seal of Scotland, dated 1536
6. ↑ The Baronage of Scotland by Sir Robert Douglas, 1774, p.247.
7. ↑ National Records of Scotland GD122/1/319
8. ↑ The Great Seal of Scotland no.1616, confirmed at Stirling 28 Aug 1536.
9. ↑ Calendar of the Laing Charters 854 - 1837 edited by Rev.John Anderson, Edinburgh, 1899, number 418, p.111-2.
10. ↑ Beveridge, James, M.A., editor, The Register of the Privy Seal of Scotland, Edinburgh, 1952, vol.iv, p.110, number 646, registered at Edinburgh on 10th April 1550.
11. ↑ National Records of Scotland GD1/208/12