James Hay, 15th Earl of Erroll facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Erroll
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Portrait of Lord Erroll in coronation robes, holding the baton of Lord High Constable of Scotland, by Joshua Reynolds
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| Rector of the University of Glasgow | |
| In office 1761–1763 |
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| Preceded by | James Milliken of Milliken |
| Succeeded by | Thomas Miller |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
James Boyd
20 April 1726 Falkirk, Stirlingshire, Scotland |
| Died | 3 July 1778 (aged 52) Callendar House |
| Political party | Tory |
| Spouses |
Rebecca Lockhart
(m. 1749; Isabella Carr
(m. 1762) |
| Children | 13, including George and William |
| Parents | William Boyd, 4th Earl of Kilmarnock Anne Livingston of Erroll |
James Hay, 15th Earl of Erroll (born April 20, 1726 – died July 3, 1778), was a Scottish nobleman. He was known as Lord Boyd from 1728 to 1746. He was the son of William Boyd, 4th Earl of Kilmarnock.
Contents
Early Life and Family Background
James Boyd was born in Falkirk, Scotland, on April 20, 1726. He was the oldest son of William Boyd, 4th Earl of Kilmarnock. His mother was Lady Anne Livingston. From 1728 to 1746, he used the title Lord Boyd. This was a courtesy title because his father was the Earl of Kilmarnock.
His mother's family had a connection to the 1715 Jacobite Rising. Her father, James Livingston, was involved in the uprising. This meant he lost his titles and lands. James's mother was also related to the Earls of Erroll through her mother.
A Time of Rebellion and Loyalty
During the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion, James's father supported the Young Pretender. This was a difficult time for James and his brother William. Both brothers were serving in the army and navy for King George II.
James remained loyal to King George II. He even fought at the Battle of Culloden. This battle was against the Jacobite forces, which included his own father. After the Jacobite defeat, his father was captured. James reportedly recognized his father and offered him his hat. This was the last time they saw each other. His father was later tried for treason and executed. This meant James lost his family's inheritance.
Inheriting Estates and New Roles
In 1751, James was allowed to inherit the Kilmarnock estates. This was even though his father's Earldom was taken away. These estates included Dean Castle, which had been damaged by fire. To help with his father's debts, James sold the ruined castle.
From 1751 to 1752, James held an important position. He was the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Scotland. This is a leader in a well-known social organization.
Becoming the Earl of Erroll
On August 19, 1758, James inherited a new title. He became the 15th Earl of Erroll. This happened after his great-aunt, Mary Hay, 14th Countess of Erroll, passed away. When he became Earl, he also changed his last name from Boyd to Hay. This was a tradition for those holding the Erroll title.
Along with the title, he also gained a special role. He became the Lord High Constable of Scotland. This is a very old and important ceremonial job in Scotland.
From 1770 to 1774, he served in the House of Lords. He was a Tory Representative Peer. This meant he represented Scottish nobles in the British Parliament. He also served as Lord of Police for Scotland from 1770 to 1778.
Family Life
James Hay had two marriages. On September 15, 1749, he married Rebecca Lockhart. They had one daughter:
- Lady Mary Hay (born 1754)
After Rebecca passed away in 1761, James married Isabella Carr in 1762. Isabella was the daughter of Sir William Carr. Together, James and Isabella had twelve children. Some of their children included:
- Lady Charlotte Hay (1763–1800)
- Lady Augusta Hay (1766–1822)
- George Hay, 16th Earl of Erroll (1767–1798), who later became the 16th Earl.
- William Hay, 17th Earl of Erroll (1772–1819), who later became the 17th Earl.
- Lady Flaminia Hay (1774–1821)
Lord Erroll passed away on July 3, 1778, at Callendar House. He was 52 years old. His oldest son, George, became the next Earl of Erroll. His wife, Isabella, passed away in 1808.
Future Generations
Lord Erroll's grandson, William Hay, 18th Earl of Erroll, received another important title. He was made Baron Kilmarnock in 1831. This was a new title in the peerage of the United Kingdom.
