Sir David Cunningham of Robertland: Murderer and 'Magna Britannia's' First Architect

The year 1603 was one of the British Isles' most critical dates, due to regnal union. Scotland's King James VI became, in addition, England and Ireland's new King James I, and sought immediately to convert regnal into full union, building aMagna Britannia:Great Britain. He sought uniformity in all areas political and religious. That project foundered, not least due to English apprehension towards the influx of Scots promoted to major English posts. One such appointee was the King's master of works in Scotland, David Cunningham of Robertland, whom James appointed Surveyor of the Works in England.

Cunningham seems therefore to have been a highly significant person, worthy of close study, but current research limits this. How can an architectural figure who may have built nothing be important to architectural study? Who was this Cunningham of Robertland? Why did James appoint him to the highest architectural position in his gift, not once but twice, and when each time there must have been alternative candidates? Seeking an answer to these questions opens up an exploration of the wider issue of the status and function of the master of works and the Surveyor in this period, as will be seen.