Earl of Rosslyn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Earldom of Rosslyn |
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Arms: Quarterly, 1st Argent, a Cross engrailed Sable (St Clair); 2nd Argent, a pale Sable (Erskine); 3rd Azure, a Bend between six Crosses-crosslet fitchée Or (Mar); 4th Argent, on a Chevron between three Roses Gules, a Fleur-de-lys of the field for difference (Wedderburn). Crests: 1st, Argent, a Demi-Phoenix in flames proper (St Clair); 2nd, An Eagle's Head erased proper (Wedderburn). Supporters: Dexter: An Eagle wings inverted proper, gorged with a Collar Argent, thereon a Rose Gules. Sinister: A Griffin wings elevated proper.
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| Creation date | 21 April 1801 |
| Monarch | King George III |
| Peerage | Peerage of the United Kingdom |
| First holder | Alexander Wedderburn, 1st Baron Loughborough |
| Present holder | Peter St Clair-Erskine, 7th Earl of Rosslyn |
| Heir apparent | Jamie St Clair-Erskine, Lord Loughborough |
| Remainder to | The 1st Earl's heirs male of the body lawfully begotten |
| Subsidiary titles | Baron Loughborough Baronet 'of Alva' |
| Status | Extant |
| Seat(s) | Rosslyn Castle |
| Motto | Below the Shield: FIGHT Over the first Crest: RINASCO PIÙ GLORIOSO (I am reborn more glorious) Over the 2nd Crest ILLÆSO LUMINE SOLEM (Enjoy the sun with unimpaired light) |
The Earl of Rosslyn is a special title in the Peerage of the United Kingdom. This title was created in 1801. It was given to Alexander Wedderburn. He was a very important lawyer, serving as the Lord Chancellor from 1793 to 1801.
Since Alexander Wedderburn had no children of his own, the title was set up to pass to his nephew, Sir James St Clair-Erskine. Before becoming an Earl, Alexander Wedderburn had already received two other titles called Baron Loughborough. One was created in 1780, and the other in 1795.
When Alexander Wedderburn passed away, the 1780 barony ended. However, the 1795 barony and the Earldom of Rosslyn went to his nephew. This nephew then became the second Earl of Rosslyn. The second Earl was a high-ranking officer in the Army. He also held important government jobs, like Lord Privy Seal and Lord President of the Council.
The third Earl, his son, was also a General in the Army. He held political roles such as Master of the Buckhounds. This role involved managing the royal hunting dogs. He was also an Under-Secretary of State for War. His son became the fourth Earl. The fourth Earl served as a Captain of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms. This was a role in the House of Lords, helping to manage government business.
As of 2015, the current holder of the title is the seventh Earl. He is the great-great-grandson of the fourth Earl. He became Earl in 1977 after his father passed away. He used to be a police officer with the Metropolitan Police Service. Lord Rosslyn is also one of the ninety elected hereditary peers. These are members of the House of Lords who inherited their titles. He sits as a cross-bencher, meaning he doesn't belong to a specific political party.
The Erskine Baronetcy is another old title. It was created in 1666 for Charles Erskine. This title is from the Baronetage of Nova Scotia. Charles Erskine represented areas in the Parliament of Scotland. His eldest son, the second Baronet, died in a battle in 1693. His younger brother became the third Baronet. He was one of the first Scottish representatives to the 1st Parliament of Great Britain. He later represented Clackmannanshire.
The fourth Baronet, his eldest son, was killed in battle in 1747. His younger brother, the fifth Baronet, was a Lieutenant-General in the Army. He was also a Member of Parliament for different areas. This fifth Baronet married Janet Wedderburn. She was the sister of Alexander Wedderburn, the first Earl of Rosslyn. The fifth Baronet's son became the sixth Baronet. In 1805, he also inherited the Earldom of Rosslyn from his uncle, Lord Rosslyn.
The family's main home is Rosslyn Castle. It is located in Midlothian, Scotland. The Earl also owns the famous Rosslyn Chapel.
Erskine Baronets, of Alva (1666)
- Sir Charles Erskine, 1st Baronet (1643–1690)
- Sir James Erskine, 2nd Baronet (c. 1670–1693)
- Sir John Erskine, 3rd Baronet (1672–1739)
- Sir Charles Erskine, 4th Baronet (died 1747)
- Sir Henry Erskine, 5th Baronet (c. 1710–1765)
- Sir James St Clair-Erskine, 6th Baronet (1762–1837) (He later became the Earl of Rosslyn in 1805)
Earls of Rosslyn (1801)
- Alexander Wedderburn, 1st Earl of Rosslyn (1733–1805)
- James St Clair-Erskine, 2nd Earl of Rosslyn (1762–1837)
- James Alexander St Clair-Erskine, 3rd Earl of Rosslyn (1802–1866)
- Robert Francis St Clair-Erskine, 4th Earl of Rosslyn (1833–1890)
- James Francis Harry St Clair-Erskine, 5th Earl of Rosslyn (1869–1939)
- Anthony Hugh Francis Harry St Clair-Erskine, 6th Earl of Rosslyn (1917–1977)
- Peter St Clair-Erskine, 7th Earl of Rosslyn (born 1958)
The person expected to inherit the title next is the current Earl's son. His name is Jamie William St Clair-Erskine, also known as Lord Loughborough (born 1986).
