Hugh Hume-Campbell, 3rd Earl of Marchmont facts for kids

Lord Polwarth

Hugh Hume-Campbell, 3rd Earl of Marchmont (born February 15, 1708 – died January 10, 1794) was an important Scottish politician. For a time, he was known as Lord Polwarth. He was a member of the Privy Council, a group of advisors to the King or Queen. He was also a Fellow of the Royal Society, which means he was recognized for his contributions to science.

Hugh Hume-Campbell served in the House of Commons, which is part of the British Parliament, from 1734 to 1740. After that, he became an Earl, a high-ranking noble. From 1750, he also served in the House of Lords, another part of Parliament, as a representative for Scotland.

Early Life and Family

Hugh Hume-Campbell was the son of Alexander Hume-Campbell, 2nd Earl of Marchmont. His mother was Margaret Campbell. He started his education at a private school in London in 1716. Later, he traveled to the Netherlands to study in cities like Utrecht and Franeker. He also attended the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.

In 1731, he married Ann Western. She was from a well-known family in London.

A Career in Politics

As Lord Polwarth, Hugh Hume-Campbell became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Berwick-upon-Tweed in 1734. This happened during a general election where his brother also won a seat.

He was active in Parliament. In 1737, he spoke against a law that would punish the city of Edinburgh for some public disturbances. In 1738, he took part in a discussion about the army.

When his father passed away in 1740, Hugh inherited the title of Earl of Marchmont. This meant he left his seat in the House of Commons.

Important Roles

In 1747, he was appointed as the First Lord of the Police in Scotland. This was an important role in managing law and order. He held this position until 1764.

His first wife, Ann, died in 1747. The next year, in 1748, he married Elizabeth Crompton.

From 1750 to 1784, he served as a Scottish Representative Peer in the House of Lords. This meant he represented the Scottish nobility in Parliament.

Achievements and Contributions

Marchmont was known for being very smart and well-read. He had studied many subjects, including classic literature, history, and law. In 1753, he was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society. This honor recognized his knowledge and contributions.

In 1762, he became a Privy Counsellor, which meant he advised the King. He also served as the Governor of the Bank of Scotland from 1763 to 1790. From 1764 until his death, he was the Keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland. This was a very important job, as the Great Seal was used to approve official documents.

Later Life and Legacy

Hugh Hume-Campbell, 3rd Earl of Marchmont, passed away in January 1794 at the age of 85.

He had five children with his first wife:

• Patrick Hume-Campbell, Lord Polwarth (who died young)
• Lady Anne Hume-Campbell (c.1734 – 1790), who married Sir John Paterson.
• Lady Margaret Hume-Campbell (died 1764), who married James Stuart.
• Lady Diana Hume-Campbell, who married Walter Scott of Harden. She later became Lady Polwarth in her own right.
• Alexander Hume-Campbell (1736–1781), Lord Polwarth. He was given the title Baron Hume of Berwick in 1776 but passed away before his father.

He did not have any children with his second wife, Elizabeth.

After his death, his granddaughter, Anne Anstruther, claimed the junior title of Lord Polwarth.

Marchmont was a very respected figure. He left his large library, which included many valuable old writings, to George Rose. George Rose later published a selection of papers from the Earls of Marchmont in 1831.

Images for kids

• 

  Lord Polwarth