Hugh Campbell, 3rd Earl of Loudoun facts for kids

Hugh Campbell, 3rd Earl of Loudoun (born around 1675 – died November 20, 1731), was an important Scottish nobleman and politician. He held several high-ranking positions in Scotland. He was also known as a Knight of the Thistle (KT) and a member of the Privy Council of Scotland (PC).

Along with the Earl of Mar, Loudoun was one of the last Secretaries of State for the Kingdom of Scotland. He supported the Union with England in 1707. He also served as the Lord Keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland from 1708 to 1713.

Early Life and Family Background

Hugh Campbell was the oldest son of James Campbell, the 2nd Earl of Loudoun. His mother was Lady Margaret Montgomerie. She was the daughter of Hugh Montgomerie, 7th Earl of Eglinton.

In 1684, Hugh became the 3rd Earl of Loudoun after his father passed away. This title gave him a seat in the Scottish Parliament. He joined the Parliament on September 8, 1696. This suggests he was likely born around 1675, as people usually took their seat at age 21.

Hugh had two brothers who were also involved in politics. His brother, Colonel John Campbell, was a Whig Member of Parliament (MP) for Ayrshire. Another brother, Sir James Campbell, became an MP after the Union of 1707. Sir James was a high-ranking officer in the army. He was killed in battle in 1745. Sir James's son, James Mure-Campbell, later became the 5th Earl of Loudoun.

Important Roles and Political Career

In April 1697, Hugh Campbell was appointed a Privy Councillor for Scotland. This was a trusted position advising the monarch. From February 1699 until his death, he was also an Extraordinary Lord of Session. This meant he was a judge in Scotland's highest court. He was appointed at a very young age for such an important role.

Loudoun's son, John Campbell, 4th Earl of Loudoun

From 1703 to 1705, Loudoun served as a Commissioner of the Treasury. This role involved managing Scotland's money. Then, from 1705 to 1707, he was a Secretary of State for the Kingdom of Scotland. He shared this job with John Erskine, Earl of Mar. They were the last people to hold this office before the Acts of Union 1707 joined England and Scotland. This union created a single country called the Kingdom of Great Britain.

In 1706, Hugh Campbell was made a Knight of the Order of the Thistle. This is a very high honor in Scotland. He believed that the union with England would benefit Scotland, even though many people were against it at first. From 1707, he became a Scottish representative peer. This meant he had a seat in the House of Lords in Westminster, London.

Loudoun also served as the Lord Keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland from 1708 to 1713. In 1715, he fought in the Battle of Sheriffmuir. In this battle, he supported King George I against the Jacobites. The Jacobites wanted to put a different king on the throne.

Personal Life and Family

On April 6, 1700, Hugh Campbell married his cousin, Lady Margaret Dalrymple. She was born around 1677 and lived to be 100 years old, dying in 1777. They had a daughter and a son:

• Lady Margaret Campbell: She married John Campbell of Shawfield in 1728. However, she passed away without children in 1733.
• John Campbell, 4th Earl of Loudoun (1705–1782): He became the next Earl after his father.

On February 7, 1707, Hugh's titles were officially re-granted by the Crown. This meant that if his direct family line ended, the titles could pass to other relatives. Hugh Campbell died on November 20, 1731. His son, John, then became the 4th Earl of Loudoun.

The famous writer Dr. Samuel Johnson met Loudoun's widow when she was very old. He wrote that she was 94 years old and still very sharp. She was able to host guests and manage her household with all her abilities.