Richard Douglas (fl. 1560–1600) was a notable Scottish landowner,
courtier, and letter writer. He was the son of
William Douglas of
Whittinghame and Elizabeth Lauder.
Douglas was known for his
correspondence with his uncle, Mr.
Archibald Douglas, a diplomat often based in London. Despite some
sources suggesting they were brothers, Richard referred to himself as
Archibald's nephew in his letters, using classical pseudonyms for
certain names.
His sister, Elizabeth Douglas, is believed to be
the "E. D." who wrote sonnets for William Fowler, poet and secretary to
Anne of Denmark. Fowler authored an epitaph for her in 1594 when she was
married to Samuel Cockburn of Templehall. Another theory posits that "E.
D." was Elizabeth Douglas, Countess of Erroll.
Richard had close
ties with Francis Walsingham, having been a pledge in London. In April
1584, he sought Walsingham’s help for losses he and his brother-in-law,
Samuel Cockburn, suffered at sea due to piracy.
In March 1587, he
reported to Archibald Douglas about a meeting with John Maitland of
Thirlestane, and later to his brother William, mentioning a lawsuit. By
August 1587, he had updated King James VI on Archibald's letters and
diplomatic news from Denmark.
Douglas also recounted the
departure of French poet Guillaume de Salluste Du Bartas from Dumbarton
Castle. In January 1589, he mentioned James Colville of East Wemyss
visiting London on royal business, alongside a tax discussion for James
VI’s potential marriage.
In 1589, he carried messages to Queen
Elizabeth from the Earl of Bothwell and wrote about King James VI’s
activities and preferences. By March 1590, he was attending noble events
and reporting on political tensions and financial matters involving
Sophie of Mecklenburg-Güstrow.
Richard Douglas collaborated with
John Lowe to build a ship in Norway, completed in 1592. He was noted by
diplomats at Falkland Palace in 1595, advocating for the Earl of Angus
and his uncle Archibald’s return from London.
He married
Christian Douglas, daughter of
Robert Douglas, Earl of Buchan, and Christina Stewart, 4th Countess
of Buchan.
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