Quick Facts
Biography
John Sempill, 1st Lord Sempill of Eliotstoun (died 9 September 1513) was a Scottish peer.
Career
John Sempill was the founder of Castle Semple Collegiate Church near Lochwinnoch. He was created Lord Sempill in the Peerage of Scotland around 1489. Lord Sempill's father, Sir Thomas had been killed fighting for James III of Scotland at the battle of Sauchieburn. John built another chapel at Southannan in West Kilbride parish.
John, 1st Lord Sempill “was one of the ambassadors sent to England, and received a gift of £20 from King Henry VII at Michaelmas 1492.” £20 of income in 1492 would be equivalent to £13,240 (historic standard of living), £361,600 (economic status) or £5,202,000 (economic power).
James IV of Scotland was entertained by John's harper at Paisley on 30 June 1504. Next year, the King visited John's house at Eliotston and the collegiate church . The king gave an offering of 14 shillings in the "New College" on 26 July 1505 John was killed at the Battle of Flodden in September 1513, along with many other Scottish peers. Lord Sempill was succeeded in the lordship by his son William.
Marriage and Issue
Sempill married Margaret Colville(d.c. 1504), daughter of Sir Robert Colville of Ochiltree, and had issue:
- William Sempill, 2nd Lord Sempill
- Francis Sempill
- Gabriel Sempill of Ladymure and Cathcart, married Jonet Spreule, (killed 1547 Battle of Pinkie Cleugh)
- Marian Sempill
- Isabel Sempill
Sempill married secondly Margaret Crichton, widow of Sir William Stirling of Keir
| Peerage of Scotland | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by New Creation | Lord Sempill c. 1489–1513 | Succeeded by William Sempill |