Alexander Erskine of Cambo facts for kids

Sir Alexander Erskine of Cambo, 2nd Baronet (1663-1729) was an important Scottish nobleman. He held the title of Baronet and was also the Lord Lyon, King of Arms. This was a very special job in Scotland. He was like the main person in charge of all things related to coats of arms and noble titles.

The Life of Sir Alexander Erskine

Cambo Estate, Fife, where Sir Alexander lived.

Alexander Erskine was born in 1663. His father, Sir Charles Erskine, was already the Lord Lyon, King of Arms. This was the top official in charge of heraldry (coats of arms) in Scotland.

In 1672, the Parliament of Scotland decided that young Alexander would share the Lord Lyon job with his father. Together, they helped create the Lyon Register. This was an official record of all Scottish coats of arms.

When his father passed away in 1677, Alexander inherited the Baronet title. He also took over the Cambo Estate in Fife. In 1681, he was officially crowned as the sole Lord Lyon. This special ceremony happened at Holyrood Palace. The Duke of Albany and York (who later became King James VII) performed the crowning.

Later, in 1711, Sir Alexander also became a joint Keeper of the Signet. This was another important government role. From 1710 to 1713, he served as a Member of Parliament for Fifeshire. This meant he helped make laws for the country.

During the 1715 Jacobite uprising, Sir Alexander was briefly held at Edinburgh Castle. This happened before a big battle called the Battle of Sheriffmuir. However, he was soon set free. He kept all his important jobs until he passed away in 1729.

Family of Sir Alexander Erskine

Sir Alexander Erskine of Cambo married his cousin, Anne. She was the daughter of Alexander Erskine, the 3rd Earl of Kellie. They had many children together:

• Charles Erskine (born 1682, died as a baby)
• Penelope Erskine (1682-1768)
• Alexander Erskine (born 1686, died around 1715)
• Sir Charles Erskine of Cambo, 3rd Baronet (1687-1753)
• Sir John Erskine of Cambo, 4th Baronet (1690-1754)
• Anna Erskine (born 1692)
• Sir William Erskine of Cambo, 5th Baronet (1695-1781)
• Sir David Erskine (born around 1695, died 1769)
• Sophia Erskine (1698-1735)
• Thomas Erskine (1699-1783)
• Colin Erskine, who was the father of Charles Erskine (cardinal)

Coat of Arms

Arms of Alexander Erskine of Cambo

Escutcheon Quarterly, 1st and 4th, gules an imperial crown within a double tressure flory counterflory or, a coat of augmentation, 2nd and 3rd, argent a pale sable.