James Johnstone, 2nd Marquess of Annandale facts for kids
James Johnstone, also known as the 3rd Earl of Annandale and Hartfell and the 2nd Marquess of Annandale, was a Scottish politician. He lived from about 1687 to 1730. He briefly served in the British Parliament in 1708 but was disqualified. This happened because he was the oldest son of a Scottish noble, known as a peer.
James Johnstone was born around 1688. His father was William Johnstone, who was the 2nd Earl of Annandale and Hartfell and the 1st Marquess of Annandale. His mother was Sophia Fairholm. She was the daughter of John Fairholm of Craigiehall.
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Early Political Life
After the Act of Union in 1707, Scotland and England joined to form Great Britain. James Johnstone's father helped him get elected to Parliament in 1708. He became a Member of Parliament (MP) for two areas: Dumfriesshire and Linlithgowshire.
Disqualification from Parliament
However, James Johnstone was not allowed to keep his seats in Parliament. On December 3, 1708, he was disqualified from both. The rule was that the oldest son of a Scottish peer (a noble with a high rank) could not be an MP.
Family Disagreement
James also had a disagreement with his father. He wanted to travel abroad and asked his father for an allowance of £400 a year. This was a large sum of money at the time.
Life as a Nobleman
In 1721, James Johnstone's father passed away. James then inherited his father's titles, becoming the 3rd Earl of Annandale and Hartfell and the 2nd Marquess of Annandale.
Seeking a Peerage Seat
In 1722, James tried to become a Scottish representative peer. This meant he wanted to be one of the nobles who represented Scotland in the British Parliament's House of Lords. However, he lost the election. Some people thought he might have supported the Jacobites. Jacobites were people who wanted to bring back the old royal family to the throne.
Travels and Art Collection
After this, James gave up his political dreams. He spent most of his adult life traveling in Italy. While there, he collected a huge number of artworks and ancient items. He became known for his impressive collection.
Inheritance Dispute
In 1726, James took legal action. He wanted to stop his half-brothers from inheriting his noble titles and his family's lands. He wanted these to go to his sister, Henrietta Hope, Countess of Hopetoun, and her children instead.
Death and Legacy
James Johnstone passed away in Italy in February 1730. He was 42 years old. His body was brought back from Italy and buried in Westminster Abbey in London.
What Happened to His Inheritance?
His attempt to prevent his brothers from inheriting was only partly successful. Only his Scottish lands and his valuable art collection went to his sister Henrietta. His noble titles, called peerages, could not be legally given away in the way he wanted. So, these titles passed to his half-brother, George. George became the 4th Earl of Annandale and Hartfell and the 3rd Marquess of Annandale.
Today, a portrait of James Johnstone hangs at Hopetoun House, a grand estate near Edinburgh, Scotland.
Images for kids
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This portrait is probably of the 2nd Marquess of Annandale, though it is possibly of his father.
