Charles Erskine, Lord Tinwald facts for kids
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Charles Erskine (born 1680 – died 5 April 1763) was an important Scottish judge and politician. He was also known as Lord Tinwald. Charles Erskine owned lands in places like Tinwald and Barjarg in Dumfries, and Alva in Clackmannan. He served in the British Parliament from 1722 to 1742. He also held the important job of Lord Advocate, which is like the chief legal officer for Scotland.
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Early Life and Education
Charles Erskine was born in 1680. He was the fourth son of Sir Charles Erskine, 1st Baronet. His mother was Christian Dundas. One of his older brothers, Robert Erskine, became a doctor for Peter the Great, a famous Russian ruler.
Charles went to the High School of Edinburgh. After that, he studied Law at Edinburgh University starting in 1693. When he was just 20 years old, he became one of the four "Regents" (teachers) at the University of Edinburgh. He got this job in November 1700 and kept it until 1707.
In 1707, he became the very first Professor of Public Law at the university. This meant he taught about laws that affect everyone in society. He later joined the Faculty of Advocates in 1711. This group is made up of lawyers who can argue cases in Scotland's highest courts.
A Career in Law and Politics
Charles Erskine had a long and successful career. He was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) several times. An MP is a person chosen to represent an area in the country's main law-making body, the Parliament.
He represented Dumfriesshire in Parliament in 1722, 1727, and 1734. He also represented Dumfries Burghs in 1734 and Tain Burghs in 1741.
Important Roles He Held
Charles Erskine held many important legal jobs:
- From 1725, he was the Solicitor General for Scotland. This role helps the Lord Advocate with legal matters for the government.
- From 1737 to 1742, he became the Lord Advocate. This is the main legal advisor to the Scottish Government and the chief public prosecutor.
- In 1744, he became a judge. He was known as Lord Tinwald. He served on the Court of Session, which is Scotland's highest civil court.
- From 1748 until he died, he was the Lord Justice Clerk. This is the second most senior judge in Scotland.
In 1749, Charles Erskine bought Alva House from his nephew. He made the house bigger and updated its look. He also bought Drumsheugh House in Edinburgh in 1755.
His Family Life
Charles Erskine married Grizel Grierson in 1712. She was from Barjarg, and through her, he inherited Barjarg Tower.
Later, in 1753, he married his second wife, Elizabeth Maxwell. Charles Erskine passed away in Edinburgh on 5 April 1763. He had two sons with his first wife:
- Charles Erskine (1716–1749) also became a lawyer. He was also an MP for Ayr Burghs.
- James Erskine, Lord Alva
Charles Erskine's brother, Sir John Erskine, was also a Member of Parliament.
Charles Erskine in Stories
Charles Erskine, Lord Tinwald, appears as a character in a fantasy novel. The book is called "The Books of the Incarceration of the Lady Grange" (2016) by Andrew Drummond.
