Alexander Sinclair, 9th Earl of Caithness facts for kids
Alexander Sinclair, 9th Earl of Caithness (died 1765) was an important Scottish nobleman. He held the title of Earl of Caithness and was the leader, or chief, of the Clan Sinclair. This was a powerful Highland Scottish clan located in the area of Caithness, Scotland.
Contents
Life and Family of Alexander Sinclair
Alexander Sinclair, the 9th Earl of Caithness, was the oldest son of John Sinclair, 8th Earl of Caithness. His father passed away in 1705. Alexander married a lady named Margaret Primrose, who was the daughter of the Earl of Rosebery.
He died in the year 1765. Alexander had only one child, a daughter named Lady Dorothea. She later married James Duff, 2nd Earl Fife. Sadly, Lady Dorothea died in 1819 without having any children of her own.
Haimer Castle and Property Plans
In 1761, Alexander Sinclair made a special legal plan for his property. This plan, called an entail, stated that if he didn't have any direct heirs, his lands should go to the Sinclairs of Stevenson. These Sinclairs were not closely related to his own family branch, the Sinclairs of Murkle.
Alexander lived at Haimer Castle. After he died, the castle began to fall apart and was no longer used.
Who Became the Next Earl?
When Alexander Sinclair died, the direct male family line from his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather ended. This meant that the title of Earl of Caithness needed to pass to someone else.
The title then went to William Sinclair of Rattar. He was a descendant of Sir John Sinclair of Greenland and Rattar. Sir John was the third son of John Sinclair, Master of Caithness (who died in 1576). The Master of Caithness was the son of George Sinclair, 4th Earl of Caithness.
There was another family branch, the Sinclairs of Broynach, who might have had a stronger claim. David Sinclair of Broynach was a son of Sir James Sinclair of Murkle. His grandson, James, tried to claim the title. However, James could not prove that his own father, David, was legally recognized as a son.
Because of this, William Sinclair of Rattar was officially declared the male heir. He became the 10th Earl of Caithness. A special group called the Committee of Privileges confirmed his title in May 1772.
See also
