Hugh Fraser, 9th Lord Lovat facts for kids

Hugh Fraser, 9th Lord Lovat (1666-1696), was the leader of Clan Fraser of Lovat. His time as chief was often difficult for the Clan.

Early Life of Hugh Fraser

Hugh Fraser was born in 1666. His parents were Hugh Fraser, 8th Lord Lovat and Anne MacKenzie. Sadly, both of his parents passed away when he was very young. From the age of six, Hugh was raised at Castle Leod by his uncle and guardian, Sir George Mackenzie of Tarbat. Some historians believe that Sir George wanted to increase the power of his own family, Clan Mackenzie, by gaining influence over the Fraser lands. The Lovat family lands were managed by the Earl of Seaforth, who was the chief of the Clan Mackenzie.

Growing Up and Family Influence

Sir George Mackenzie of Tarbat continued to strengthen his control over the Fraser Clan. In 1687, he arranged for Hugh to marry Lady Amelia Murray. She was the daughter of the Marquis of Atholl, a very important member of the powerful Clan Murray.

An Unusual Marriage Agreement

The marriage contract between Hugh and Amelia had a very unusual rule. Normally, if a clan leader had no sons, the title and lands would go to a male relative. However, this contract said that if Hugh had no male heir, his eldest daughter would inherit everything. If she then married someone named Fraser, her husband would become the new leader. This rule made it possible for someone from a different clan to take control of the Lovat lands just by changing their name to Fraser.

Hugh and Amelia had several daughters: Amelia (born 1686), Anne (born 1689), Catherine (born around 1692), and Margaret (born 1695). They also had two sons, Hugh (born 1690) and John (born 1695). Sadly, both boys passed away before their father. This made the unusual rule in the marriage contract even more important.

Hugh as Clan Leader

Hugh was not considered a strong leader for his Clan. During the Jacobite rising of 1689, which happened after the ‘Glorious Revolution’, Hugh told his clansmen to stay out of the fighting. He was likely influenced by his Mackenzie and Murray relatives, who had chosen to support the government at that time. However, many of the Fraser clansmen chose to join the Jacobite side anyway, following other Fraser gentlemen instead of Hugh.

His Early Passing

In 1696, the same year his last son John died, Hugh decided to cancel the unusual rule in his marriage contract with Amelia Murray. He claimed he had been forced to agree to it. Instead, he named his cousin, Thomas Fraser, as his successor. A few months later, Hugh passed away at the age of 30. His death marked the end of the direct male line of the Lovat Frasers, which had lasted since 1458.