George Seton, 4th Earl of Winton facts for kids

George Seton, the 4th Earl of Winton (born around 1641, died 1704), was an important Scottish nobleman. He was a loyal supporter of the King (a Royalist) and served as a Privy Councillor, which meant he advised the King. He was also the Sheriff of Haddingtonshire, a region in Scotland. George was the son of George Seton, Master of Winton, and Henrietta Gordon.

A Young Earl's Start

George Seton became the Earl of Winton in 1650, when he was less than ten years old. He was studying in Europe at the time. Even though he was so young, he faced challenges. In 1654, Oliver Cromwell's government made him pay a large fine of £2000.

His uncle, Lord Kingston, was his tutor. Lord Kingston made sure George was raised in the Protestant faith. This was a big change for his family, who had been Catholic for a long time. In 1656, the local church group (the Presbytery) in Haddington was told that George was being educated as a Protestant.

Serving the King

George Seton was skilled in military matters. He showed his bravery while fighting with the French army. This happened during the siege of Besançon in 1660. When he returned to England, King Charles II was impressed.

The King made him a member of the Privy Council of Scotland. This council advised the King on important matters. In 1666, George was given command of the East Lothian Regiment of Foot. He led them against a group called the Covenanters. His forces defeated them at Pentland.

In 1679, he again led his regiment, paying for it himself. They joined the King's army of 14,000 men at Bothwell Bridge. Here, the Covenanters were completely defeated. After the battle, George hosted the Duke of Monmouth and many officers at his home in Seton.

Important Roles and Interests

In 1682, George became the Sheriff of Haddingtonshire. In May of that year, he traveled with the Duke of York (who later became King James II). They were on a ship called the Gloucester going from London to Edinburgh. Sadly, the ship was wrecked near Yarmouth Sands, and many lives were lost. Samuel Pepys, a famous diarist, was also on board and wrote about the disaster.

In 1685, King James II appointed George as the Grand Master of the Household. This was an important role in the King's court. Also in 1685, George and his regiment were called to action again. They fought against the forces of the Earl of Argyll.

George was also a very learned person. In 1685, Professor Sinclair gave him a unique book. It was called Satan's Invisible world discovered. This book was about devils, spirits, witches, and ghosts. The dedication in the book praised George greatly. It also mentioned his coal-mining work. The book even talked about Athanasius Kircher, a famous Jesuit scholar and scientist.

From 1691 to 1693, George traveled in Holland, visiting Amsterdam and Leyden. He enjoyed meeting other travelers and learned people. He was very interested in mathematics and science.

Improving His Lands

The Earl worked hard to improve his family's property. He also helped the public. He built a new harbor at Cockenzie. He named it Port Seton, and it still has that name today. Port Seton has become a small summer resort for people from Edinburgh.

A historian named Alexander Nisbet wrote about George Seton. He said that George was very loyal, just like his ancestors. None of his family had ever been disloyal to the King. They were also not greedy and did not take church lands.

In 1688, King James II granted him a special Royal Charter. This document confirmed his title as Earl of Wintoun. It also set out who would inherit the title after him.

Family

George, the 4th Earl of Winton, married Christian (who died in 1703). She was the daughter and heiress of John Hepburn of Adinstoun. They had two sons:

• George Seton, 5th Earl of Winton
• Christopher Seton (died 5 January 1705)