James Duff, 5th Earl Fife facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl Fife
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The Earl Fife in 1863
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| Member of Parliament for Banffshire | |
| In office 1837–1857 |
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| Preceded by | George Ferguson |
| Succeeded by | Lachlan Gordon-Duff |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
James Duff
6 July 1814 Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Died | 7 August 1879 (aged 65) |
| Spouses |
Lady Agnes Hay
(m. 1846; |
| Children | 5 |
| Parents | Sir Alexander Duff Anne Stein |
James Duff, 5th Earl Fife (born July 6, 1814 – died August 7, 1879) was an important Scottish nobleman and politician. He held a high position in the British government and was known for his work in Parliament.
Early Life and Family
James Duff was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. His father was Sir Alexander Duff, a military officer. James was the nephew of the 4th Earl Fife, which meant he was part of a well-known Scottish family.
Political Career
James Duff started his political journey as a Member of Parliament (MP). An MP is a person elected to represent a specific area in the UK Parliament. He represented the area of Banffshire from 1837 to 1857. His brother, George Skene Duff, was also an MP for a different area.
In 1857, James Duff became the 5th Earl Fife. This meant he inherited several noble titles, including Baron Braco and Viscount MacDuff. These titles were passed down through his family.
Later that same year, he was given another special title: Baron Skene. This new title allowed him to join the House of Lords. The House of Lords is the second chamber of the UK Parliament, where members, often nobles, discuss and vote on new laws. Being a Baron meant he could take part in these important discussions.
In 1860, he was made a Knight of the Order of the Thistle. This is a very high honor in Scotland, given to people who have done great things for their country.
Besides his work in Parliament, he also served as the Lord Lieutenant for the counties of Banff and Moray. A Lord Lieutenant is the King or Queen's personal representative in a county. It's a very important role that involves civic duties and supporting local communities.
Personal Life
In 1846, James Duff married Lady Agnes Georgiana Elizabeth Hay. Lady Agnes was the daughter of the 18th Earl of Erroll and Lady Elizabeth FitzClarence. Lady Elizabeth was a daughter of King William IV.
James and Agnes had five children together:
- Lady Anne Elizabeth Clementine Duff (died 1925)
- Lady Ida Louisa Alice Duff (died 1918)
- Alexander William George Duff (1849–1912). He became the Duke of Fife and married Princess Louise, who was the eldest daughter of King Edward VII.
- Lady Alexina Duff (1851–1882)
- Lady Agnes Cecil Emmeline Duff (1852–1925). She had a son named Duff Cooper, who later became Viscount Norwich. David Cameron, a former British Prime Minister, is a descendant of Lady Agnes.
Lord Fife passed away on August 7, 1879.
