James Innes-Ker, 5th Duke of Roxburghe facts for kids

James Innes-Ker, 5th Duke of Roxburghe (born James Innes; 10 January 1736 – 19 July 1823) was an important Scottish nobleman. He became a Duke later in his life after a long legal battle.

Who Was James Innes-Ker?

James Innes-Ker was born James Innes on January 10, 1736. He was a member of a noble family in Scotland. He later became the 5th Duke of Roxburghe, a very high rank in the British peerage system.

His Early Life and Family

James was the oldest surviving son of Sir Henry Innes, 5th Baronet. His mother was Anne Drummonda Grant. His family had a history of serving in Parliament. His grandfathers were Sir Harry Innes, who was a Member of Parliament for Elginshire, and Sir James Grant, who represented Inverness-shire and Elgin Burghs.

When his father passed away in 1762, James inherited the title of Innes Baronetcy. This meant he became Sir James Innes.

Becoming the Duke of Roxburghe

In 1812, James Innes successfully claimed the title of Duke of Roxburghe. This title had been empty for some time. The process of claiming the Dukedom was very complicated and took seven years. Many lawyers were involved in the case.

The previous Duke, John Ker, had no children. After he died, the title and estates went to William Bellenden-Ker, 4th Duke of Roxburghe. However, the 4th Duke also died without children. This left the Dukedom open for new claims.

James Innes proved that he was a descendant of the first Earl of Roxburghe through his family line. This was important because the rules for inheriting the title allowed it to pass through the female side of the family. On May 11, 1812, after a long legal fight, the House of Lords decided that James Innes was the rightful heir. He then changed his name to Innes-Ker.

His Family Life

James Innes-Ker, the 5th Duke of Roxburghe, was married two times. His first wife was Mary Wray. They married on April 19, 1769. Mary passed away in 1807.

Later that same year, on July 28, 1807, he married Harriet Charlewood. Harriet was the daughter of Benjamin Charlewood. Together, James and Harriet had one son:

• James Henry Robert Innes-Ker (1816–1879). He later became the 6th Duke of Roxburghe.

James Innes-Ker died on July 19, 1823. His only son from his second marriage inherited the Dukedom.

His Legacy

Through his son James, the 5th Duke was the grandfather of James Henry Robert Innes-Ker, 7th Duke of Roxburghe (1839–1892). The 7th Duke married Anne Emily Spencer-Churchill, who was the daughter of the 7th Duke of Marlborough.

Paintings of the 5th Duke and his second wife, Harriet, were created by the famous artist Henry Raeburn. These portraits can be seen at Floors Castle, which is the family's main home in the Scottish Borders.