Barony of Roslin facts for kids
The Baron of Roslin (or Rosslyn) was a special title in Scotland. It was held by a powerful family called the St Clair or Sinclair family. A "baron" was a type of noble, often given land by the king.
Contents
History of the Barons of Roslin
The Sinclair family likely came from a place called Saint-Clair-sur-Epte in Normandy, which is in France.
Early Days in Scotland
According to old stories, a man named William of Saint-Claire came to Scotland in 1068. He was with Saint Margaret of Scotland, who later married King Malcolm III of Scotland. The story says the king gave William the land of Roslin as a reward. This land became the "Barony of Roslin."
However, some historians think the first proven Baron of Roslin was William St. Clair, who died in 1297. They believe he might have arrived in Scotland later, in the 1200s. It's not fully clear if all the early people who held Roslin were from the same family.
Important Sinclairs
One very important Baron was William Sinclair, who died in 1480. He was the 11th Baron of Roslin. He also held other big titles, like the 3rd Earl of Orkney and 1st Earl of Caithness.
William Sinclair decided to divide his lands and titles among his sons:
- His oldest son from his first marriage, also named William, received the title of Lord Sinclair.
- His oldest son from his second marriage, Oliver, inherited the Barony of Roslin.
- His second son from his second marriage, another William, became the Earl of Caithness. This branch of the family became the main leaders of the Clan Sinclair.
Spelling Differences
You might see the family name spelled "St Clair" or "Sinclair." The family connected to Roslin Castle and Chapel often uses "St Clair." The family connected to Caithness usually uses "Sinclair."
Also, the famous Rosslyn Chapel tourist website sometimes calls the early Barons "Princes of Orkney." But most history books call them "Earls of Orkney."
Barons of Roslin (List)
Here are some of the people who held the title of Baron of Roslin. The earliest ones are from traditional stories, while later ones are confirmed by historical records.
Barons from Traditional History
- William "The Seemly" St Clair, 1st Baron of Roslin
- Henry St Clair, 2nd Baron of Roslin (he was knighted by King Malcolm)
- Henry St Clair, 3rd Baron of Roslin (he was knighted by David I of Scotland)
- William St Clair, 4th Baron of Roslin (he became Baron around 1214 and died in 1243)
- Henry St Clair, 5th Baron of Roslin (he became Baron in 1243 and died around 1270; he helped Alexander III of Scotland capture the Western Isles)
Barons from Historical Records
- William St. Clair (became Baron around 1270 and died in 1297)
- Henry St Clair (became Baron in 1297 and died in 1331)
- William St Clair (became Baron in 1331 and died in 1358)
- Henry St Clair, 9th Baron of Roslin, 1st Earl of Orkney (became Baron in 1358 and died in 1400)
- Henry St Clair, 10th Baron of Roslin, 2nd Earl of Orkney and 1st Lord Sinclair (became Baron in 1400 and died in 1420)
- William Sinclair, 11th Baron of Roslin, 3rd Earl of Orkney, 2nd Lord Sinclair and 1st Earl of Caithness (became Baron in 1420 and died in 1480. He was famous for founding Rosslyn Chapel. He divided his estates among his sons, as mentioned above.)
- Oliver St Clair (became Baron in 1484 and died in 1523)
- William St Clair (became Baron in 1523 and died in 1554)
- William St Clair (became Baron around 1554 and died in 1602)
- William St Clair (became Baron in 1602 and died in 1610)
- William St Clair (became Baron around 1610 and died in 1650)
- John St Clair (became Baron in 1650 and died in 1690)
- James St Clair (became Baron in 1690)
- Alexander St Clair (died in 1706)
- William St Clair of Roslin (became Baron in 1707 and died in 1778. All his sons passed away young. So, his daughter Sarah inherited the title. She married Peter Wedderburn, and their son, Alexander Wedderburn St Clair, later became the 1st Earl of Rosslyn.)
