Archibald Douglas, 1st Earl of Forfar facts for kids
Archibald Douglas, 1st Earl of Forfar (born May 3, 1653 – died November 11, 1712) was an important Scottish nobleman. He held the title of Earl of Forfar and was also the 2nd Earl of Ormonde.
He was the second son of Archibald Douglas, Earl of Angus and 1st Earl of Ormond. His mother was Jean Wemyss. He also had an older half-brother, James Douglas, 2nd Marquess of Douglas.
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Becoming an Earl
Archibald Douglas received his main title, the Earl of Forfar, when he was just eight years old. This happened on October 2, 1661. This made him a very young nobleman with important responsibilities.
His Family Life
In 1679, Archibald Douglas married Robina Lockhart. They had one son, also named Archibald, who was born in 1692. This son would later become the 2nd Earl of Forfar after his father.
A Life in Politics
Archibald Douglas was an active figure in Scottish politics. He served as a trusted advisor, known as a Privy Counsellor, to two different monarchs: King William III and Queen Anne. He held this important role from 1689 until his death in 1712.
Key Government Roles
- Commissioner of the Privy Seal: From 1689 to 1690, he helped manage the official seal used for important government documents in Scotland.
- Commissioner for the Treasury: From 1704 to 1705, he was involved in managing Scotland's money and finances.
Moving Homes
In 1700, Archibald Douglas decided to move his family's main home. They left the old Bothwell Castle and moved into a new, grand house he built. This new home was called Bothwell House, but many people nicknamed it "New Bothwell Castle."
The Act of Union
A very significant event during his lifetime was the Act of Union in 1707. This act joined the Kingdom of Scotland with the Kingdom of England, creating Great Britain. Archibald Douglas voted in favor of this union.
His Final Years
Archibald Douglas passed away on November 11, 1712. He was buried in Bothwell Church in Scotland.
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