Luke Wilson (merchant)
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Luke Wilson | |
|---|---|
| Born | |
| Died | 1589 Edinburgh |
| Other names | Luik Wilsoun |
| Occupation | Merchant |
| Years active | 1564-1589 |
| Known for | Textile trade and former treasurer to the Edinburgh council |
| Spouse | Katharine Uddert |
| Children | At least 2 |
Luke Wilson (died 1589) was a 16th-century Scottish merchant involved in the textile trade, the export of hides and wool, and lead mining. He served as treasurer to the burgh council.
His name was sometimes spelled "Luik Wilsoun".[1] He lived in Littil's Close in Edinburgh. Wilson was a prominent burgess who was tasked as treasurer of the burgh in 1561 to organise a pageant and a banquet to celebrate the royal entry of Mary, Queen of Scots.[2]
In 1559, during the crisis of the Scottish Reformation, Wilson, Alexander Park, and John Spens cooperated with the Lords of the Congregation when a new burgh council was briefly led by Alexander Douglas of Kilspindie. In November, Wilson's and other merchant's cargoes were lost to pirates off the coast of Northumberland.[3]
In 1565, John Stewart, 4th Earl of Atholl arranged for Luke Wilson, with James Johnston of Kellobank and Robert Ker, to manage his mining contract with Mary, Queen of Scots.[4] The royal treasurer's accounts include the receipt of duty on exported ore. Barrels containing lead ore for export to Flanders were officially marked with branding irons by the Scottish mint, which was known as the "Cunze Hous".[5]
In 1564, Wilson provided black satin to make a doublet for the Comptroller of Scotland, John Wishart of Pitarrow.[6] Wilson was Dean of Guild in 1578–1579.[7] He was censured for making the merchant Thomas Bell a burgess and guildbrother for only £30 Scots, and the burgh council subsequently set the fee at £40.[8]