Hugh Sempill, 12th Lord Sempill facts for kids

Hugh Sempill, the 12th Lord Sempill, was an important Scottish soldier. He was born after May 16, 1688, and passed away on November 25, 1746.

A Soldier's Life

Hugh Sempill was the fifth son of Francis Abercromby, Lord Glasford. His mother was Anne Sempill, the 9th Lady Sempill. Hugh joined the army at a young age.

Early Military Career

He started as an adjutant in Colonel Preston's Regiment of Foot in December 1708. An adjutant helps with a regiment's daily tasks. By July 1709, he became an ensign in the same regiment. An ensign was a junior officer who carried the regiment's flag. He fought in the famous Battle of Malplaquet in 1709. This was a major battle during the War of the Spanish Succession.

Hugh was promoted to captain in July 1712. Later, in 1715, he became a captain in Brigadier-General Grant's Regiment. A brigadier-general is a high-ranking officer. He was promoted to major in April 1718. A major is a military officer ranking above a captain.

Becoming Lord Sempill

In February 1727, Hugh Sempill became the 12th Lord Sempill. He took over this title after his brother John passed away. As Lord Sempill, he managed family lands. He sold some estates, like Elliotstoun and Castle Sempill. In 1741, he bought a new estate called North Barr.

Leading Regiments

Hugh Sempill continued to rise in the army. In July 1731, he became a lieutenant-colonel in the 19th Regiment of Foot. A lieutenant-colonel is a senior officer. In January 1741, he became the colonel of the Black Watch. A colonel is the commanding officer of a regiment.

The Black Watch was a famous Scottish regiment. In 1743, some soldiers in the regiment had a disagreement. Lord Sempill was in command during this time. He then led the regiment to Flanders, a region in Europe. There, the Black Watch fought very bravely. They were praised for their actions. Lord Sempill also commanded the town of Aeth when it was attacked by the French. His regiment defended the town with great courage.

Final Commands and Death

In April 1745, Lord Sempill became the colonel of the 25th Regiment of Foot. He was promoted to brigadier-general in June 1745. This was a very important rank.

In April 1746, he commanded the left side of the royal army. This was during the Battle of Culloden. This battle was a very important event in Scottish history. After the battle, in August 1746, he took command of troops in Aberdeen. He passed away in Aberdeen on November 25, 1746. His burial took place in the West Church of Aberdeen.

Family Life

Lord Sempill was married to Sarah Gaskell in May 1718. Sarah was from Manchester. They had a large family together. They had five sons and six daughters. Their eldest son, John Sempill, 13th Lord Sempill, later became the 13th Lord Sempill. Their eldest daughter, Sarah, married a politician named Patrick Crauford. Lady Sempill passed away in April 1749.