Archibald Napier

Sir Archibald Napier, a Scottish landowner and official, was the seventh Laird of Merchiston and master of the Scottish mint.

Napier’s father died at the battle of Pinkie in 1547, and although Archibald was a minor at that time he received royal dispensation enabling him to feudalise his right to his paternal barony of Edenbellie in contemplation of his marriage with Janet Bothwell, which took place about 1549. Further, on 1 June 1555 he redeemed his lands of Gartnes, Stirlingshire, and others from Duncan Forester, and on 14 June 1558 he obtained a precept of sasine for infefting him in the lands of Blairwaddis, Isle of Inchcolm. In 1565 Napier received the order of knighthood.

Napier was granted right to mine gold, silver, copper, and lead mines in Scotland, and in 1576 he was appointed general of the cunzie-house (master of the Mint). He also served in official capacity on a number of occasions for James VI (r. 1567-1625) and the Church of Scotland.