Sir John Forrester


? - 1440

Lord High Chamberlain of Scotland. Forrester was the eldest son of Sir Adam Forrester (d.1405), a nobleman who served as Lord Provost of Edinburgh and Ambassador to England. The younger Forrester was able to build on the success of his father, becoming Lord High Chamberlain of Scotland and Master of the Royal Household for King James I (1394 - 1437). He was also able to extend his father's estates in Corstorphine (1392) and continued work on his father's chapel at Corstorphine, establishing it as the Collegiate Church of St. John the Baptist.

He was appointed Depute Chamberlain of Scotland (1408), under the Earl of Buchan, and became Lord Privy Seal (1421).

The young Prince James (later King James I) was captured by the English in 1406 while sailing to France, just before the death of his father, Robert III. In 1416, Forrester was named one of the Commissioners tasked with negotiating his freedom, although James' release was not actually achieved until 1424, and Forrester was amongst a number of hostages taken by England as part of the bargain..

When James returned to Scotland, to thank Forrester for his numerous services, the office of Magister Hospitii (Master of the Horse) was created for him, and the following year he was made Lord High Chamberlain. He was granted charter to further estates at Corstorphine, Drylaw, Nether Liberton, Meadowfield and Clerkington.

Forrester was buried in the chancel of his Collegiate Church, not far from his father and later to be joined by his son.


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