Maitland, Richard (1496-1586)

Scottish poet, lawyer, and historian. All his verses were written after his 60th year, and consist mostly of laments for the state of Scotland, the feuds of the nobles, and the discontent of the common people. Maitland's principal historical work is the Historie and Cronicle of the Hous and Surename of Seytoun. He also made a collection of early Scottish poetry in two manuscript volumes (Pepysian Library, Magdalene College, Cambridge). Knighted in 1551-52.

He studied at St Andrews University and in France, and on his return to Scotland was successively employed by James V, the Regent Arran, and Mary of Lorraine. He became a lord of the court of session in 1561, and Lord Privy Seal in 1562.