George Douglas, 16th Earl of Morton facts for kids

George Douglas, 16th Earl of Morton, K.T. (1761–1827), in the dress of the Royal Company of Archers, holding a longbow and a black-plumed white cockaded cap, in Holyrood Park, with Duddingston Loch and Edinburgh Castle beyond. (William Beechey)

George Douglas, 16th Earl of Morton was an important British nobleman who lived from 1761 to 1827. He held the title of Earl of Morton. He was also a member of several important groups, like the Royal Society of London, which focuses on science.

Early Life and Education

George Douglas was born on April 3, 1761. His father was Sholto Douglas, the 15th Earl of Morton. When his father passed away in 1774, George was only thirteen years old. He then became the 16th Earl of Morton.

He went to Eton College, a famous school, for his education. After finishing school, he went on a "Grand Tour" of Europe. This was a popular trip for young noblemen back then. He visited many royal courts across Europe.

Public Roles and Interests

George Douglas became a member of the Royal Society of London in 1785. This is a very old and respected group for scientists. He sometimes served as its vice-president.

He was also a frequent member of the Royal Company of Archers. This is a special group of archers in Scotland. He had a strong interest in breeding horses. He even tried to breed a quagga, which was a type of zebra that is now extinct.

From 1784 to 1790, he served as a "representative peer." This meant he was chosen to represent Scottish nobles in the House of Lords in the British Parliament. He also worked as the Queen's Chamberlain from 1792 to 1818. This was an important role in the royal household.

He was also the Lord Lieutenant of Fife, a region in Scotland, from 1808 to 1824. This role meant he was the King's representative in that area. He also served as High Commissioner to the Church of Scotland.

In 1791, he was given another special title: Baron Douglas of Loch Leven. This new title allowed him to have a permanent seat in the House of Lords. In 1797, he was knighted as a Knight of the Thistle. This is a very high honor in Scotland.

George Douglas passed away at his family home, Dalmahoy House, on July 17, 1827.

Family Life

On August 13, 1814, George Douglas married Susan Elizabeth Buller. She was the daughter of Sir Francis Buller. They did not have any children together.

After his death, his cousin, George Sholto Douglas, became the next Earl of Morton. However, the title of Baron Douglas of Loch Leven ended because he had no children.

Involvement in Freemasonry

Lord Morton was also a Scottish Freemason. Freemasonry is a fraternal organization focused on brotherhood and community. He joined Lodge Canongate Kilwinning in 1789.

Exactly one year later, he was chosen to be the Grand Master Mason of the Grand Lodge of Scotland. This is a very important leadership role in Scottish Freemasonry.

During his time as Grand Master, an important decision was made. In 1791, the Grand Lodge declared that political differences should not stop Masons from being friends. They said that if a lodge excluded someone just because of their political views, that lodge would be punished. This showed the importance of unity and friendship within the group.

See also

• Lord Morton’s mare, a famous horse once used in a scientific idea called telegony.