James Sempill

Sir James Sempill (1566–1626) was a Scottish courtier and diplomat. Early life James Sempill was the eldest son of John Sempill of Beltrees, and Mary Livingston, one of the "Four Marys", companions of Mary, Queen of Scots. Sempill was brought up with James VI under George Buchanan at Stirling Castle in the royal household supervised by Annabell Murray, Countess of Mar. He completed his education at the University of St. Andrews, and used the title "Mr." or Master on account of his degree. He was also known as "Beltrees" from his family estate. Sempill assisted James VI in the preparation of his Basilikon Doron. He was on good terms with the Kirk minister Andrew Melville, and caused a furore by showing Melville the contents of Basilikon Doron in advance. Via James Melville the text reached the synod of Fife. Sempill later supported Andrew Melville in 1606 when he was committed to the Tower of London. Robert Boyd of Trochrig considered Sempill an enemy of the bishops.