edinburgh, george heriot, royal goldsmith, c.1563 to 1624, who was his mother

[wolfequebec]

I am researching george heriot the famous royal jeweller.

As far as the identity of his father is concerned, I agree with all the secondary sources which say that his father was George Heriot elder goldsmith 1539/40–1610.  However these secondary sources also claim that George Heriot younger's mother was Elizabeth Balderstone. 

Based on my research to date I cannot believe Elizabeth was his mother. 

Has anyone found any evidence in primary sources of his mother's name?

[DavidG02]

Hi WolfeQuebec

Be aware that due to the timeframe you are seeking ancestors  the Parish Records may not be available. I know ScotlandsPeople do records from 1538 but not all Parishes are serviced by them either.

You have asked for sources on another post - different people- but the response may be the same. You may need to search old books - Archive.org would be where I would start.

And utilize the sources that were posted in the Fife thread http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=740432.0

Some of the sources which might provide evidence are:

- the online catalogue of the National Records of Scotland
- the Register of Deeds
- the Register of Sasines, which gives relationships of people involved in the transfer of land
- the Register of the Privy Seal
- the Register of the Great Seal
- the Records of the Privy Council
- the Treasurer's Accounts
- the Acts of the Lords of Council
- testaments and inventories

There is no magic bullet when you go back that far. You may get lucky but be prepared to search in different areas.