Scottish statesman
Died 1590
Robert Boyd took a prominent part in Scottish politics during the troubled time which followed the death of James V in 1542. At first he favoured the reformed religion, but afterwards his views changed and he became one of the most trusted advisers of Mary, Queen of Scots, whom he accompanied to the battle of Langside in 1568. During the queen's captivity he was often employed on diplomatic errands; he tried to stir up insurrections in her favour, and he was suspected of participation in the murder of the regent Murray. He enjoyed a high and influential position under the regent James Douglas, Earl of Morton, but was banished in 1583 for his share in the seizure of King James VI, a plot known as the Raid of Ruthven. He retired to France, but was soon allowed to return to Scotland. He died on the 3rd of January 1590.
Extracted from the entry for BOYD, ROBERT, LORD BOYD in the 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica, the text of which lies within the public domain.