Earl of Portmore facts for kids

David Colyear, 1st Earl of Portmore.

The Earl of Portmore was a special title in the Peerage of Scotland. This means it was a noble rank given in Scotland. The title was first created in 1703 for a Scottish military leader named David Colyear.

Before becoming an Earl, David Colyear was already known as Lord Portmore since 1699. When he became an Earl, he also received two other titles: Lord Colyear and Viscount of Milsington. These were also Scottish noble titles. David Colyear's father, Alexander Colyear, had been made a Baronet in 1677. A Baronet is a hereditary title, like a knight, but it can be passed down in the family. Lord Portmore married Catherine Sedley, Countess of Dorchester. He was a brave soldier and a respected figure.

The Colyear Family Titles

The Colyear family held several important titles over the years. These titles were passed down through the family.

Baronets of Holland (1677)

This was the first noble title given to the Colyear family. It was created in 1677.

• Sir Alexander Colyear, 1st Baronet (died around 1685)
• Sir David Colyear, 2nd Baronet (around 1656–1730)

* He later became Lord Portmore in 1699. * Then, he was made the Earl of Portmore in 1703.

Earls of Portmore (1703)

This was the highest title held by the Colyear family. It was created in 1703.

• David Colyear, 1st Earl of Portmore (around 1656–1730)

* His son, David Colyear, Viscount Milsington (1698–1729), passed away before his father.

• Charles Colyear, 2nd Earl of Portmore (1700–1785)

* He was the only surviving son of the 1st Earl. * He served in the British Parliament. He represented areas like Wycombe and Andover.

• William Colyear, 3rd Earl of Portmore (1745–1823)
• Thomas Charles Colyear, 4th Earl of Portmore (1772–1835)

* He was the grandson of the 2nd Earl. * He also served in Parliament, representing Boston. * His son, Hon. Brownlow Charles Colyear (died 1819), passed away before him.

The 4th Earl of Portmore died in 1835. He did not have any sons who survived him to inherit the titles. Because of this, all the titles, including Earl of Portmore, Lord Portmore, Lord Colyear, Viscount of Milsington, and the Baronetcy, became extinct. This means they ended and could no longer be passed on.

Family Coat of Arms

The Colyear family had a special design called a coat of arms. This was a symbol of their family and their noble status.