The King of Scots asks for the Shetland property for Robert Cheyne
NRR 2, s. 572 · 22. september 1584 · København
What the letter says
In Copenhagen on 22 September 1584 King Frederick II writes to Hans Lindenov about a letter from the King of Scotland. The Scottish king's subject Robert Cheyne has held some property in Shetland from Lady Gjørvel Fadersdatter, and it was among the property she conveyed to the king. The Scottish king asks that Robert may keep it. Lindenov receives a copy of the letter and is to report on how matters stand with the property, and advise whether the king should grant it to Robert, and if so on what terms.
The letter in modern English
Hans Lindenov received a letter to give information about some property in Shetland which Robert Cheyne held in keeping from Lady Gjørvel Fadersdatter. Frederick II. Our favour first. What the mighty, high-born prince the King of Scotland has written to us concerning one of His Grace's subjects, Robert Cheyne, about some property and land in Shetland which the said Robert has held from Lady Gjørvel Fadersdatter, and which she among other property has most humbly conveyed and made over to us, asking that we graciously continue to grant and allow the said Robert this property, you can see from the enclosed copy of the King of Scotland's letter. We ask you to report to us on the state of this property, what dealings or circumstances there have been concerning it, and how it now stands, and your opinion of what, in the light of the King of Scotland's letter, would be best for us to do or not do, whether to grant it to the said Robert or not, and, if we will grant it to him, on what terms you think it best that we let him make us an offer for it. Copenhagen, 22 September 1584.
Original text
Hans Lindenov fik Brev at skulle byde nogen Besked om noget Gods paa Hetland, Robert Cheyn udi Verge havde af Fru Gyrvild Fadersdatter. Fr. II. V. G. t. Hvad den stormægtige høibaarne Fyrste Konningen af Skotland for en Hs. Kjærligheds Underdan, Robert Cheyn, haver os tilskrevet, belangendes noget Gods og Eiendom paa Hetland, som for. Robert af os elskel. Fru Gyrvild Fadersdatter havt haver og hun til os underdanigst iblandt andet mere Gods skjødt og afhændet haver, begjerendes, at vi samme God
Background
Orkney and Shetland were pledged to Scotland in 1468 and 1469, but much land there was still owned by Norwegian and Danish nobles. The King of Scotland in 1584 was James VI, who later also became King of England. Robert Cheyne belonged to a Scottish family seated at Vaila in Shetland. The letter shows that Gjørvel's Shetland property was let out to local people, and that the transfer of 1582 created uncertainty for those who used it. The matter was settled a few weeks later, see the letter of 18 October 1584.
People: Gjørvel Fadersdatter (Sparre)