George Lockhart, Lord Carnwath facts for kids

Sir George Lockhart of Carnwath (around 1630 – 1689) was an important Scottish lawyer and judge. He also served as a representative in the Scottish Parliament. He is known for his successful career and for the unusual way he died.

Life and Career

Sir George Lockhart was the second son of Sir James Lockhart of Lee. He became a lawyer, known as an advocate, in 1656. He was very good at speaking and arguing cases. In 1663, he was made a knight, which is a special honor. Later, in 1672, he became the head of the group of lawyers in Scotland, called the Dean of the Faculty of Advocates.

He bought a large house on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh in 1644. This house, which used to belong to Robert Gourlay, was very close to the main law courts. He later lived on Mauchine's Close, a street that was later removed when new buildings were constructed.

Sir George was a Commissioner to the Scottish Parliament for the area of Lanarkshire in the 1680s. This meant he helped make laws for Scotland. In 1685, he became the Lord President of the Court of Session, which is the highest judge in Scotland's main civil court. He also became a member of the Privy Council of Scotland, a group of advisors to the King.

He bought large areas of land in Lanarkshire from the Earl of Carnwath. These lands were later passed down to his oldest son, George Lockhart.

His Death

Sir George Lockhart was sadly murdered on Easter Sunday, March 31, 1689. He was walking home from church in Edinburgh when it happened. The person who killed him was John Chieslie of Dalry.

John Chieslie was very angry with Sir George. Sir George had made a court decision that ordered Chieslie to pay money to his wife, Margaret Nicholson. Chieslie was so upset by this decision that he decided to take Sir George's life.

Chieslie followed Sir George from St Giles Cathedral up the Royal Mile and then down Mauchine's Close to Sir George's house. Just outside the house, Chieslie shot him. Chieslie did not try to run away and admitted what he had done. He was put on trial the very next day.

Two days later, Chieslie was taken from the Old Tolbooth prison to the Mercat Cross on the High Street. His right hand was cut off and nailed to the gates of West Port. He was then taken to a place called the Gallowlee, where he was hanged. The pistol he used was placed around his neck.

Sir George Lockhart is buried in a special domed tomb belonging to Sir George Mackenzie in Greyfriars Kirkyard in Edinburgh.

See also

• Rachel Chiesley, Lady Grange

Images for kids

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  Robert Gourlay's house, later bought by Sir George Lockhart

Sources

• Concise Dictionary of National Biography