James Livingston, 1st Earl of Newburgh facts for kids
James Livingston, 1st Earl of Newburgh (born around 1622 – died 4 December 1670), was a Scottish nobleman. He was also a member of the English Parliament from 1661 to 1670. He strongly supported the Royalist side during the English Civil War. This was a big conflict in England between the King and Parliament.
Early Life and Family
James Livingston was the only son of Sir John Livingstone of Kinnaird. His mother was Jane Sproxton. His father worked for King James VI and I. James became the 2nd Baronet after his father died in 1628. He started studying at Merton College, Oxford in 1638 when he was 16. From about 1642 to 1646, he traveled in France.
Supporting the King
In 1646, James Livingston joined King Charles I in Newcastle. The King then made him Viscount of Newburgh. This was a special title in the Scottish nobility. In 1648, James and his wife tried to help the King escape before his trial. But their plan did not work, and they had to flee to the Netherlands.
In 1650, James went with King Charles II to Scotland. He agreed to support the Covenants, which were agreements about religion and politics. He then took his place in the Scottish House of Lords. He was a high-ranking officer in the Life Guards. This was a special army unit. He fought at the Battle of Worcester. After the battle, he had to leave the country again. He kept in touch with other Scottish Royalists. From 1656 to 1658, he was a colonel in the Spanish army. He led a Scottish Royalist group that fought in the Battle of the Dunes (1658).
After the King Returned
After the King was restored to power, James Livingston received more honors. He became captain of the King's bodyguard in Scotland. He was also given the titles Earl of Newburgh, Viscount of Kynnaird, and Lord Livingston.
In 1660, he gained control of the Cirencester manor. This happened because of his second marriage. In 1661, he was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Cirencester. This was part of the Cavalier Parliament. He also received a master's degree from Oxford in 1661.
James Livingston passed away when he was about 48 years old. He was buried at St. Margaret's Church in Westminster.
Family Life
James Livingston married two times. His first wife was Katherine Stuart. She was the daughter of Theophilus Howard, 2nd Earl of Suffolk. They had one daughter named Elizabeth (1648–1717). Elizabeth was raised by James's sister, Dorothy Livingston. Elizabeth later married Robert Delaval. She was known for her writings and her support for the Jacobite cause.
Around May 1660, James Livingston married his second wife, Anne Poole. She was the daughter of Sir Henry Poole. James was succeeded by his only son, Charles.
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