Anthony St Clair-Erskine, 6th Earl of Rosslyn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Rosslyn
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| Member of the House of Lords Lord Temporal |
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| In office 11 August 1939 – 22 November 1977 Hereditary Peerage |
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| Preceded by | The 5th Earl of Rosslyn |
| Succeeded by | The 7th Earl of Rosslyn |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Anthony Hugh Francis Harry St Clair-Erskine
22 November 1917 London, England |
| Died | 22 November 1977 (aged 60) Midlothian, Scotland |
| Spouses |
Athenais de Mortemart
(m. 1955; div. 1962) |
| Children | Lady Caroline Marten Peter St Clair-Erskine, 7th Earl of Rosslyn |
| Parents | Francis St Clair-Erskine, Lord Loughborough Sheila Chisholm |
| Relatives | Serena Dunn Rothschild (cousin) Nell Dunn (cousin) Alice St Clair (granddaughter) |
Anthony Hugh Francis Harry St Clair-Erskine (born May 18, 1917 – died November 22, 1977) was a British peer. This means he held a special noble title. From 1929 to 1939, he was known as Lord Loughborough. His family owned important lands, including the famous Rosslyn Chapel.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Anthony, often called "Tony," was born in London on May 18, 1917. He was the oldest son of Margaret Sheila Mackellar Chisholm and Francis Edward Scudamore St Clair-Erskine. His father was known for his adventurous spirit.
Tony had a younger brother named Peter George Alex St Clair-Erskine. Peter served in the Royal Air Force and sadly passed away in 1939. Tony's parents divorced in 1926. His mother later married Sir John Milbanke and then Prince Dmitri Alexandrovich of Russia.
His family had many interesting connections. His maternal grandfather was Harry Chisholm from Sydney. His paternal grandparents were James St Clair-Erskine, 5th Earl of Rosslyn and Violet Aline Vyner. Through his aunt, Lady Mary, he was a cousin to Serena Mary Dunn and Nell Mary Dunn. Nell Dunn became a well-known writer.
Becoming the Earl of Rosslyn
When his grandfather passed away on August 10, 1939, Anthony became the 6th Earl of Rosslyn. This happened because his own father had passed away before his grandfather.
Lord Rosslyn was friends with John F. Kennedy, who later became the President of the United States. In 1940, Lord Rosslyn wrote to Kennedy, praising a book he had read.
Caring for Rosslyn Chapel
Lord Rosslyn played an important role in the history of Rosslyn Chapel. In 1950, he added a beautiful stained glass window in the chapel's baptistery. This window was designed by William Wilson. It was a memorial to his late brother, Peter, who died serving his country. It also honored his stepfather, Sir John Milbanke, who passed away from injuries from World War II.
Later in the 1950s, Lord Rosslyn led efforts to repair the chapel's roof. He also helped clean the detailed carvings inside the building. In 1970, he added another stained glass window. This one was designed by Carrick Whalen and featured a St Francis of Assisi theme. It was dedicated to his mother, Princess Dimitri of Russia, after she passed away in 1969.
Personal Life and Family
On August 3, 1955, Lord Rosslyn married Athénaïs de Rochechouart de Mortemart. They later divorced in 1962. Together, they had two children:
- Lady Caroline St Clair-Erskine (born 1956). She married Michael Francis Marten in 1991.
- Peter St Clair-Erskine, 7th Earl of Rosslyn (born 1958). He married Helen Watters in 1982.
Lord Rosslyn passed away on November 22, 1977, in Midlothian, Scotland. He was buried at Rosslyn Chapel.
His Grandchildren
Through his son, Peter, Lord Rosslyn became a grandfather. His grandchildren include James William St Clair-Erskine, who holds the title Lord Loughborough. He is also the grandfather of actress Lady Alice St Clair-Erskine, The Hon. Harry St Clair-Erskine, and Lady Lucia St Clair-Erskine.
