James Erskine, Lord Alva facts for kids
James Erskine, also known as Lord Alva, was an important Scottish lawyer and judge in the 1700s. He was born on June 20, 1722, and passed away on May 13, 1796. He became a very high-ranking judge, known as a Senator of the College of Justice. People often called him Lord Alva for short.
Contents
Life of James Erskine
Early Life and Career
James Erskine was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. His father, Charles Erskine, Lord Tinwald, was also a very important judge, known as the Lord Justice Clerk of Scotland. His mother was Grisel Grierson.
James followed in his father's footsteps. In 1743, he became an advocate, which is a type of lawyer who speaks in court. Five years later, in 1748, he was made the Sheriff-Depute of Perthshire. This meant he was a chief law officer in that area.
He continued to rise in his career. In 1754, he became a Baron of the Exchequer, a judge who dealt with money matters for the government. By 1758, he was appointed Knight Marshal of Scotland. This was an important ceremonial role.
Becoming a Judge
In 1761, James Erskine reached a major point in his career. He became a Senator of the College of Justice. This was one of the highest judicial positions in Scotland. He took the place of another judge, Patrick Boyle, Lord Shewalton.
When his father passed away in 1763, James inherited two important properties. One was Drumsheugh House in Edinburgh, and the other was Alva House in Clackmannanshire.
In 1772, he officially changed his title to Lord Alva. This happened when he inherited the estate of the Erskine family from Alva, Clackmannanshire. He lived at Drumsheugh House in western Edinburgh for many years.
Later Life and Passing
James Erskine, Lord Alva, passed away on May 13, 1796, at Drumsheugh House in Edinburgh. He was buried in St Cuthberts Churchyard. After his death, Robert Cullen, Lord Cullen took his place as a Senator of the College of Justice.
Drumsheugh House, where he lived, was later taken down around 1860. This was to make way for a new road connecting the Moray Estate and the Haymarket area. Today, that road is called Drumsheugh Gardens.
Family
James Erskine was married to Jean Stirling. She was born in 1719 and passed away in 1797. Her father was John Stirling of Herbertshire.
Their daughter, Isabella Erskine, passed away in 1827. She married Lt Col Patrick Tytler. Patrick was the son of William Tytler, who was a legal colleague of Lord Alva.
James also had an older brother named Charles Erskine (1716–1749). However, Charles passed away before their father. This meant he did not inherit the family title or lands.
Images for kids
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The grave of James Erskine, Lord Alva, in St Cuthberts Churchyard, Edinburgh.
