Francis Douglas, 8th Earl of Wemyss facts for kids
Francis Wemyss Charteris Douglas, the 8th Earl of Wemyss and 4th Earl of March (born April 15, 1772, died June 28, 1853), was an important Scottish nobleman. He was known by different titles throughout his life. From 1810 to 1826, people called him the Earl of March. After 1826, he became known as the Earl of Wemyss and March until he passed away in 1853.
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Early Life and Family History
Francis Wemyss Charteris Douglas was the son of Francis Wemyss Charteris, Lord Elcho. His grandfather was Francis Charteris, who was considered the 7th Earl of Wemyss.
He went to a famous school called Eton College from 1780 to 1787. This was a very good school for young gentlemen at the time.
In 1810, Francis inherited the title of Earl of March. This happened because he was a direct descendant of Lady Anne Douglas, who was the sister of the first Earl of March. After gaining this title, he also took on the last name Douglas.
Public Service and Achievements
In 1821, Francis Wemyss Charteris Douglas was given a new title: Baron Wemyss. This title was part of the Peerage of the United Kingdom, which meant he automatically got a seat in the House of Lords. The House of Lords is a part of the British Parliament where important laws are discussed and made.
Later, in 1826, he also officially became the 8th Earl of Wemyss. This was a big deal because a previous legal issue with the earldom was reversed. From 1821 until his death in 1853, he served as the Lord-Lieutenant of Peeblesshire. A Lord-Lieutenant is a special representative of the King or Queen in a county.
He also made sure that the roof of Elcho Castle was repaired in 1830, helping to preserve this historic building.
His Family Life
On May 31, 1794, Francis Wemyss Charteris Douglas married Margaret Campbell. She was the daughter of Walter Campbell of Shawfield and Islay. Together, they had eight children:
- Lady Charlotte Charteris (who died in 1886)
- Lady Louisa Antoinetta Charteris (who died in 1854)
- Lady Harriet Charteris (who died in 1858)
- Lady Eleanor Charteris (1796–1832), who married her cousin Walter Frederick Campbell
- Francis Wemyss-Charteris, 9th Earl of Wemyss (1796–1883), who would become the next Earl
- Walter Charteris (1797–1818)
- Lady Margaret Charteris (1800–1825)
- Lady Katherine Charteris Wemyss (1801–1844), who married her first cousin George Grey, 8th Baron Grey of Groby
Images for kids
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The grave of the Earls of Wemyss at St Mary's Collegiate Church in Haddington.
