Calendar of the State Papers relating to Scotland and Mary, Queen of Scots, 1547-1603, preserved in the Public Record Office, The British Museum, and Elsewhere in England; ed. by Joseph Bain and others. 13 Volumes. HathiTrust Digital Library. https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/004364968

Volume 1: 1547-1563

Guthrie Index & Navigator

Calendar of the State Papers Relating to Scotland and Mary, Queen of Scots, Vol. I (A.D. 1547–1563), edited by Joseph Bain (1898), Page 186.

Date: June 6, 1551 (9th year of Queen Mary’s reign / Peebles).

Original Language: English (with Scots orthography in the original letter).

Purpose of the Document: Letter from the Queen of Scots (Mary, Queen of Scots, under regency) to Edward VI requesting safe conduct for named Edinburgh burgesses and companions to travel between the realms for one year.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthrie, burgess of Edinburgh.

Role:

• Burgess of Edinburgh (traveler seeking safe conduct, traveling with David Forster, burgess of Edinburgh, and 2 companions).

Translation/Transcription: (Full relevant excerpt from the calendar summary, modernized for clarity where needed while preserving original sense):

“373. THE QUEEN OF SCOTS TO EDWARD VI. Requesting safe conduct for Alexander Guthrie and David Forster burgesses of Edinburgh with 2 companions, to pass between the realms for a year. Subscribed by her cousin and tutor, &c. James duke of Chattelrault, &c. Peebles, 9th of her reign. Signed: Yowr gracis hwmyll cwsyng with serwyce leffwllly, James G. 1 p. Broad sheet. Addressed. Indorsed.”

(A similar safe conduct of the same date is noted for Maister Richart Strang, burgess of Edinburgh, with 4 companions.)

Historical Significance:

• Illustrates diplomatic relations and safe passage arrangements between Scotland and England in 1551, during the minority of Mary Queen of Scots and the regency of James Hamilton, Duke of Châtelherault (her cousin and tutor).
• Reflects the mobility of Edinburgh merchants/burgesses amid Anglo-Scottish tensions following the Rough Wooing.
• Highlights the role of key burgh figures in cross-border trade or affairs.

Genealogical Significance:

• Confirms Alexander Guthrie as a burgess of Edinburgh in 1551, aligning with his known career (admitted burgess/guild brother 1549; Town Clerk/Notary; died 1582).
• Links to prominent Edinburgh civic and Reformation circles (close associate of John Knox; wife Janet Henderson/Henryson).
• Potential ties to Guthrie of Lunan (Angus/Forfarshire) origins. Useful for tracing merchant, notary, and burgh official lineages in mid-16th-century Edinburgh.
• Travel with other burgesses (Forster, Strang) suggests networks among Edinburgh elites.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Safe conduct: Official permission for travel across borders, common in 16th-century diplomacy to protect against arrest or harm during wartime/tense periods.
• Burgess: Freeman of the burgh with rights to trade, hold office, and legal privileges.
• Broad sheet: Single large page document format.
• Subscription by the Regent (Duke of Châtelherault) was standard for royal minority documents.

Calendar of the State Papers Relating to Scotland and Mary, Queen of Scots, Vol. I (A.D. 1547–1563), edited by Joseph Bain (1898), Page 490.

Date: October 21, 1560 (letter from Hamilton; events around mid-to-late October 1560).

Original Language: English (with Scots orthography and phrasing in the holograph letter).

Purpose of the Document: Holograph letter from Thomas Randolph (English agent/ambassador in Scotland) to William Maitland of Lethington (Secretary of State), reporting on military and political events during the Scottish Reformation crisis, including the siege of Castle Semple (Sempill), border issues, and diplomatic movements. Alexander Guthrie is mentioned as the writer/transcriber of a related report.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthrie (of Edinburgh; the same individual referenced on p. 186).

Role:

• Scribe/writer of a report from Edinburgh (noted as authoring or transcribing an account of events involving Lord Sempill and the laird of Blaneherne).

Translation/Transcription: (Focused excerpt mentioning the Guthrie individual, modernized slightly for readability while faithful to the calendar text):

“…Grange of any man in the earth, is furthest in credit with the Duke, for this service to his son. ‘God sende you to deserve to be as well beloved.’ He is now gone ‘over the water’ to repose till his next voyage… By Grange’s report of his doings before I came, and what I saw since, he deserves great praise, and is notably commended by all the country about. It is written from Edinburgh by Alexander Guthrye that Lord Symple and the laird of Blaneherne are shipped at Dunbar for France. …”

(The letter continues with Randolph’s personal notes, signed “Vostro Tho. Rand.”)

Historical Significance:

• Captures key moments in the Scottish Reformation (1560): Siege of Castle Semple (a Catholic stronghold), shifting alliances, English involvement via Randolph and Cecil, and the flight of Scottish lords to France.
• Demonstrates the flow of intelligence from Edinburgh to English authorities during the establishment of Protestant dominance.
• Alexander Guthrie’s role as a reliable scribe/reporter underscores his position in Edinburgh’s administrative and Protestant networks amid these events.

Genealogical Significance:

• Further confirms Alexander Guthrie’s prominence in Edinburgh by 1560 (Town Clerk/Notary, civic administrator, Reformation activist).
• Links him directly to recording high-profile political/military events, placing him at the center of burgh and national affairs.
• Reinforces connections to key figures (e.g., Duke of Châtelherault from p. 186, John Knox circle).
• Edinburgh base with potential Angus (Lunan) family origins; continued service into the 1570s–1580s. Valuable for tracing notary/burgh official Guthrie lines and their Reformation-era networks.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Holograph: Handwritten document by the author (here, Randolph’s letter).
• Reporting/scribing by notaries like Guthrie was standard for official intelligence and burgh records.
• References to shipping at Dunbar and travel to France reflect common exile/escape routes for Scottish nobles.

Volume 2: 1563 – 1569

Guthrie Index & Navigator:

Calendar of the State Papers Relating to Scotland and Mary, Queen of Scots, Vol. II (A.D. 1563–1569), edited by Joseph Bain (1900), Page 180.

Date: July 9, 1565 (Elizabethan period reference).

Original Language: English (with period Scots/English orthography).

Purpose of the Document: Holograph letter from Thomas Randolph (English ambassador in Scotland) to William Cecil, commending individuals for travel to France and requesting licenses/privileges.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• William Guththrye (Guthrie).

Role:

• Friend/acquaintance of Randolph (commended traveler to France with his own affairs and those of friends, including Robert Stewarde).

Translation/Transcription: (Full relevant excerpt, modernized slightly for readability):

“…I only commend to your favour my two friends Monsieur Mongommerie and William Gutthrye, to pass to France, where one dwells, and the other has affairs of his own and his friends’—specially Robert Stewarde, whom we have here good experience is an honest man… He is not come for naught, and I am a suitor to your honour to move her majesty, that this gentleman ‘for hym’ may have licence to buy and export 3 or 4 geldings for his friends, considering his great service past and future. Edinburgh. Signed: Th[o. Randolphe.]”

(1 p. Holograph. Addressed. Indorsed by Cecil.)

Historical Significance:

• Reflects ongoing Anglo-Scottish diplomacy and personal networks in 1565 (early reign of Mary Queen of Scots, pre-Darnley marriage tensions).
• Thomas Randolph’s role as ambassador involved intelligence, recommendations, and facilitating cross-Channel travel/trade.
• Highlights merchant/gentleman mobility between Scotland, England, and France.

Genealogical Significance:

• Identifies William Guthrie as part of Randolph’s trusted circle in Edinburgh, with affairs in France (possible merchant/trade connections).
• Pairs with Alexander Guthrie entries (same volume and earlier Vol. I), suggesting family or kinship networks among Edinburgh Guthries in civic/diplomatic circles.
• Location: Edinburgh (letter origin); travel to France. Useful for tracing 16th-century Guthrie merchant or gentleman lines with international ties.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Commendation letter: Common diplomatic tool for safe passage, licenses, or favors.
• Export license for geldings (horses): Regulated trade good; royal approval via Cecil/Queen Elizabeth sought.

Calendar of the State Papers Relating to Scotland and Mary, Queen of Scots, Vol. II (A.D. 1563–1569), edited by Joseph Bain (1900), Page 664.

Date: 1569 (list of commissaries for chief burghs; convention context).

Original Language: English (with Scots elements; document in Scottish hand).

Purpose of the Document: Broad-sheet list of commissaries (delegates/representatives) for major Scottish burghs present at a convention, alongside barons, senators of the College of Justice, and other learned men. Likely related to political, legal, or Reformation settlement matters.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthrie (of Edinburgh).

Role:

• Commissary for Edinburgh (one of three listed for the burgh).

Translation/Transcription: (Relevant excerpt, modernized slightly for clarity):

“Commissaries for certain of the chief burghs:— EDINBURGH:—James Barroun, Alexander Clerk, Alexander Guthrie. [Lists for Stirling, Perth, Dundee, Aberdeen, Glasgow, St Andrews, Air, Montrose.]

The above named personages were present at the said convention with a great number of ancient barons, divers senators of the College of Justice, and other learned men of good reputation. Broadsheet. In a Scottish hand. Indorsed: ‘the names of thame quhilkis wer present at the Convention.’”

Historical Significance:

• Documents burgh representation at a national convention in 1569, during a period of political instability following Mary Queen of Scots’ abdication and the regency of Moray (post-1567).
• Commissaries acted as burgh delegates in assemblies dealing with justice, governance, or church affairs.
• Highlights Edinburgh’s prominence and the integration of civic officials into national bodies alongside legal and noble figures.

Genealogical Significance:

• Confirms Alexander Guthrie’s high civic standing in Edinburgh as late as 1569 (consistent with prior roles as burgess, notary, Town Clerk, and Reformation activist; d. 1582).
• Listed alongside other prominent Edinburgh figures (e.g., James Barroun, Alexander Clerk).
• Reinforces Guthrie family presence in Edinburgh burgh administration; potential links to William Guthrie (p. 180, same volume).
• Location: Edinburgh (primary); convention likely national. Valuable for 16th-century burgh official lineages.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Commissary: Here, a burgh representative/delegate to a convention (distinct from later commissary courts).
• Convention: Ad hoc or formal assembly of burgh commissioners, nobles, and legal experts for national decision-making.
• Broadsheet: Single-sheet official document.

Volume 3: 1569 – 1571

Volume 4: 1571 – 1574

Guthrie Index & Navigator:

Calendar of the State Papers Relating to Scotland and Mary, Queen of Scots, Vol. IV (A.D. 1571–1574), edited by William K. Boyd (1905), Page 620.

Date: 1573 (Elizabethan period; inquiry context).

Original Language: English (with strong Scots orthography and legal phrasing in the deposition/inquiry record).

Purpose of the Document: Record of an inquiry/deposition (likely part of an investigation into political events, silver smuggling, or related disturbances in Edinburgh/Stirling/Aberdeen areas during the civil unrest post-Mary’s abdication). It includes witness statements about events involving the Tolbooth, Laird of Grange, Huntly, and others.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• “Willie” Guthree / Willie Guthrie (likely William Guthrie; diminutive form common in Scots records).

Role:

• Individual referenced in testimony regarding movement of silver from England (possible merchant or intermediary role); noted as being in Aberdeen and Berwick.

Translation/Transcription: (Focused Guthrie excerpt from the inquiry, modernized slightly for readability while preserving key Scots flavor):

“…And further declares that he understood [not] that Willie Guthree brought any silver out of England the time of [his] bringing of it. Howbeit he has understood of it since. ‘Willie’ Guthree dissembled at that time that he was w[as] … in Aberdeen; which also the deponer believed till ‘Hery’ Torp s[aw] … he had seen ‘Willie’ Guthre in Berwick. ‘Alwaye’ … that noe silver come directlie out …”

(The deposition continues with further inquiries about other figures and events.)

Historical Significance:

• Reflects the turbulent “Marian Civil War” period (supporters of Mary vs. King’s party), with investigations into finances, silver imports, alliances (e.g., Laird of Grange, Huntly), and urban disturbances (Tolbooth break, cannon fire).
• Silver movement from England highlights cross-border economic/political intrigue.
• Testimonies like this were key to intelligence and justice proceedings under the regency.

Genealogical Significance:

• Identifies “Willie” (William) Guthrie in connection with cross-border activities (England–Scotland, Aberdeen, Berwick).
• Likely the same or related to William Guthrie commended in Vol. II p. 180 (1565 travel to France).
• Links to Edinburgh/Aberdeen networks; consistent with merchant or agent roles in Guthrie family activities.
• Location notes: Aberdeen, Berwick; broader Edinburgh context in the inquiry.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Deposition/Inquiry (“Inquirit”): Formal questioning under oath in legal or governmental investigations.
• Tolbooth: Burgh prison/council house (common site for political detentions).
• Dissembling/movement of silver: References to covert financial support or smuggling amid civil conflict.

Volume 5: 1574 – 1581

Guthrie Index & Navigator:

Calendar of the State Papers Relating to Scotland and Mary, Queen of Scots, Vol. V (A.D. 1574–1581), edited by William K. Boyd (1907), Page 110 (with continuation on p. 111).

Date: 1574–1575 (intelligence report context).

Original Language: English (with period diplomatic phrasing and French-influenced terms).

Purpose of the Document: Intelligence letter/report (likely from an English agent or correspondent such as William Henryson) detailing French political/military affairs, offers to Scottish nobility, and troop movements during the French Wars of Religion. It references Monsieur de Guise, Montgomery, and others.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Mons. Gyttry (variant spelling of Guthrie; “Monsieur” indicates French/continental title).

Role:

• Military commander/leader in French forces (commanding 1500 horsemen in the Beauce region).

Translation/Transcription: (Relevant excerpt):

“…Monsieur De la Noue is in Bas Poictou with 3000 hagbutters and 1000 horsemen…; Monsieur Gyttry in the Beausse with 1500 horsemen, and has taken Beaugency, which is the passage over the river of Loire…”

(Context includes French internal conflicts, offers to Scottish lords, and reports on Huguenot/Catholic factions.)

Historical Significance:

• Illustrates Scottish interest in French affairs during the Wars of Religion (1570s), with Scots (including Guthrie) serving in French armies.
• “Monsieur Gyttry” likely a Scottish captain in French service, common for many Scots seeking military opportunities abroad.
• Part of broader diplomacy between England, Scotland, and France under Elizabeth I and the Scottish regency.

Genealogical Significance:

• Possible continental branch or military service of the Guthrie family (variant “Gyttry”).
• Links to earlier Scottish Guthries (e.g., Alexander and William in prior volumes) who had French/English connections.
• Location: France (Beauce/Beaugency); relevant to Scottish diaspora in French service.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Intelligence reports like this were standard for diplomatic correspondence.
• “Mons.” abbreviation for Monsieur (French gentleman/military title).

Notes:

• Spelling variant “Gyttry” is a common phonetic rendering in English sources for Guthrie/Guthry.
• Cross-reference: Vol. V index reference; fits pattern of Guthrie international/military activity.

Volume 6: 1581 – 1583

Volume 7: 1584 – 1585

Volume 8: 1585 – 1586

Volume 9: 1586 – 1588

Guthrie Index & Navigator:

Calendar of the State Papers Relating to Scotland and Mary, Queen of Scots, Vol. IX (A.D. 1586–1588), edited by William K. Boyd (1915), Page 177 (with related bond on following pages).

Date: 1586 (bond dated contextually to June–October period referenced; Leith).

Original Language: Mix of English and French (document noted as French copy).

Purpose of the Document: Bond/deposition of David Stewart of Vezines (French gentleman, son/heir of William Stewart of Vezines) before bailies and magistrates of Leith, with John Guthrie as notary. Concerns detention in Edinburgh due to plague, release, and financial obligations to Thomas Murray.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• John Guthrie (notary).

Role:

• Notary (instrumental in the bond; appeared personally with the parties).

Translation/Transcription: (Key excerpt):

“…We make known that before us and John Guthre, our notary, appeared personally the honourable gentleman David Stewart of Vezines… Who has deposed and declared with his consent and will that forasmuch as he being detained in the town of Edinburgh in Scotland by many necessities in the months of June, July, August, September and October last past, surrounded by the plague…”

(The bond details provisions, release by Thomas Murray, and obligations for repayment in France. 1 p. French. Indorsed.)

Historical Significance:

• Illustrates cross-Channel mobility and legal/financial arrangements for Scots/French gentlemen during plague outbreaks and political instability in the 1580s.
• Highlights Leith/Edinburgh’s role as a port for international travelers and the use of notaries in burgh courts.
• Reflects ongoing Anglo-Scottish-French diplomatic and personal networks.

Genealogical Significance:

• John Guthrie serving as a notary in Leith/Edinburgh confirms the family’s continued presence in burgh legal/administrative roles (building on earlier Alexander Guthrie entries).
• Links to French connections (witnessing bond for French gentleman).
• Location: Leith/Edinburgh. Useful for tracing notary lineages in the late 16th century.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Notary: Official who drafted and authenticated legal instruments (standard in Scottish burghs).
• Bond: Formal obligation for debt/repayment, often with heirs and assignees.
• Plague-related detention: Common public health measure with legal/financial implications.

Calendar of the State Papers Relating to Scotland and Mary, Queen of Scots, Vol. IX (A.D. 1586–1588), edited by William K. Boyd (1915), Page 511.

Date: Events of 15 September 1575 (recorded/compiled in 1587 context; Dec. 2 reference on following pages).

Original Language: English.

Purpose of the Document: List of spoils/piracy incidents committed upon Scots by English (or involving English actors), with witness statements. Part of broader claims or diplomatic records concerning maritime depredations since 1569.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Robert Guthrie, aged 40 (in 1575).

Role:

• Witness (to the spoiling of a ship of Amsterdam by English actors).

Translation/Transcription: (Relevant excerpt):

“15 Sept. 1575, a ship of Amsterdam called The Abeye, master and owner Thomas Upton, bound from Hull towards Scotland, spoiled in Grimsby Road in the Humber, by John Hall of Newcastle, captain of The Falcon… English cloth and other goods worth 200l. Witnesses; Robert Anderson aged 60, Robert Guthrie aged 40, Andrew Gardiner aged 40.”

(Context lists other incidents with witnesses and values, chiefly fish or cloth cargoes.)

Historical Significance:

• Documents ongoing Anglo-Scottish maritime tensions and piracy in the North Sea/Humber region during the 1570s, with claims persisting into the 1580s.
• Reflects trade routes between Scotland, England, and the Low Countries (Amsterdam).
• Witness lists provide snapshots of local mariners and residents involved in legal/diplomatic redress.

Genealogical Significance:

• Robert Guthrie (b. c. 1535, aged 40 in 1575) as a witness in a Scottish shipping incident suggests involvement in maritime/trade circles or residence near affected areas (Humber/Scottish ports).
• Possible connection to earlier Guthries (e.g., Edinburgh or Angus lines) with merchant interests.
• Location note: Likely eastern Scotland or port-related (witness to Hull–Scotland voyage).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Spoils: Maritime plunder or piracy claims, often pursued through diplomatic channels.
• Witness statements: Standard in admiralty or border commission inquiries.

Volume 10: 1589 – 1593

Guthrie Index & Navigator:

Calendar of the State Papers Relating to Scotland and Mary, Queen of Scots, Vol. X (A.D. 1589–1593), edited by William K. Boyd and Henry W. Meikle (1936), Page 403 (with related bailie list).

Date: Context around 1590 (letter dated Oct. 5 in nearby entries; James VI period).

Original Language: Scots/English.

Purpose of the Document: Official letter from the Provost and Bailies of Edinburgh to Burghley (William Cecil), reporting on piracy/spoil by an English ship against a Leith vessel and requesting redress/justice. Lists signatories including bailies.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• L. Guthrie (likely a bailie of Edinburgh; full name possibly Laurence or similar, abbreviated in signature list).

Role:

• Bailie of Edinburgh (one of the magistrates signing the letter).

Translation/Transcription: (Relevant signatory excerpt):

“…Signed: Arnote Provost of Edinburcht, Johne Macmoren thesaurer; Alexander Wduartt, Denegeild; David Fairlie, bailze; Henrie Charteris, baillie; Clement Core, bailze; Roger Maknacht, baillie; L. Guthre.”

(The letter details the spoiling of the ship Thomas of Leith by English pirates near Zarmouth, with losses and requests for action against the perpetrators.)

Historical Significance:

• Highlights ongoing maritime disputes and diplomatic appeals between Scottish burghs and English authorities (Burghley) in the 1590s.
• Demonstrates the collective role of Edinburgh’s civic leadership (Provost, Treasurer, Bailies) in protecting trade.
• Reflects James VI’s reign and border/sea security issues.

Genealogical Significance:

• L. Guthrie serving as bailie reinforces the Guthrie family’s entrenched position in Edinburgh burgh governance (building on earlier Alexander Guthrie as Town Clerk and other references).
• Likely a member of the prominent Edinburgh Guthrie line (notary/burgess family).
• Location: Edinburgh. Valuable for tracing civic office-holding across generations.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Bailie: Magistrate/assistant to the Provost in burgh administration and justice.
• Denegeild: Dean of Guild (trade/guild oversight role).
• Official letters from burgh magistrates were standard for international claims.

Volume 11: 1593 – 1595

Guthrie Index & Navigator:

Volume 12: Unavailable Online

Volume 13 – Pt 1 & 2: Unavailable Online