Basic Biographical Details

Name: James Murray (Sir)
Designation:  
Born:  
Died: December 1634
Bio Notes: James Murray was the son of James Murray, master wright and from 1601 overseer of the King's Works in Scotland. The younger Murray was appointed Master Wright in 1601 and in 1605 his father demitted office in favour of his son. In 1607 he became 'principal master of all his majesties works in Scotland' after David Cunningham of Robertland. The post carried a salary of 500 merks per annum.

In 1612 he was granted the estate at Baberton (or Kilbaberton) and he built his house there in 1622-23 which is traditional in character but has classical details similar to that on Heriot's Hospital. In his official post he undertook works on various royal palaces. He was also employed by Edinburgh Town Council to design Parliament House which was begun in 1633 and completed in 1640. This was similar in character to Baberton House with small turrets and mannerist details.

Murray was knighted in 1633 and died in December 1634.

Buildings and Designs

This was involved with the following buildings or structures from the date specified (click on an item to view details):
 Date startedBuilding nameTown, district or villageIslandCity or countyCountryNotes
Item 1 of 51611House for George Home, Earl of DunbarBerwick-upon-Tweed NorthumberlandEnglandReported as being the 'surveyor and builder' of a great house.
Item 2 of 51617Edinburgh Castle, King's Lodgings  EdinburghScotlandReconstruction
Item 3 of 51618Linlithgow PalaceLinlithgow West LothianScotlandRebuilding of the north wing
Item 4 of 51622Baberton HouseJuniper Green EdinburghScotland 
Item 5 of 51633Parliament House, Supreme Courts of Scotland  EdinburghScotlandParliament Hall

References

Bibliographic References

The following books contain references to this :
 Author(s)DateTitlePartPublisherNotes
Item 1 of 2Colvin, Howard2008A Biographical Dictionary of British Architects 1600-1840 London: YUP. 4th edition 
Item 2 of 2Imrie, J and Dunbar, J (eds.)1982Accounts of the Masters of Worksii lviii-lix, lxxxi, xcvii-xcix

Periodical References

The following periodicals contain references to this :
 Periodical NameDateEditionPublisherNotes
Item 1 of 1Proceedings of the Soc. of Antiquaries of Scotlandbetween 1895 and 63rd ser., VI 'The Masters of Works to the Crown of Scotland' by R S Mylne

Archive References

The following archives hold material relating to this :
 SourceArchive NameSource Catalogue No.Notes
Item 1 of 1NAS National Archives of ScotlandVarious accounts: imprestsCC8/8/57, ff269v-271vTestament