[2] Sir Thomas Sempill fell fighting in support of King James III of Scotland at the Battle of Sauchieburn in June 1488.

John was succeeded by his son William who obtained a charter to the lordship with the assistance of the Regent Albany.

[2] William favored the betrothal of the child Mary, Queen of Scots to the son of Henry VIII of England.

[2] William's son, Robert Sempill, was constable of the king's Douglas Castle and was taken prisoner at the Battle of Pinkie Cleugh in 1547.

[2] Robert was sometimes called the Great Lord Sempill and supported the Queen Regent, Mary of Guise who was the widow of James V of Scotland.

[2] He also led the vanguard of the Regent Moray's army at the Battle of Langside in 1568 and was rewarded with a charter to the abbey lands of Paisley.

[2] John was accused of treason and attempting to assassinate Regent Morton and was sentenced to death by hanging, drawing and quartering.

[2] This Robert assisted in the baptism of Prince Henry in 1594 and personally attended on the queen at a banquet that was held in celebration in the great hall of Stirling Castle.

[2] John also died unmarried and the title passed to his brother, Hew (Hugh), who was a professional soldier.