James Livingston, 5th Earl of Linlithgow facts for kids
James Livingston, 5th Earl of Linlithgow, 4th Earl of Callendar (died 25 April 1723) was an important Scottish nobleman. He lost his land and titles because he was involved in a rebellion against the King.
Becoming an Earl
James Livingston was the only son of Alexander Livingston, the 3rd Earl of Callendar. His mother was Lady Anne Graham. He also had two younger sisters.
James inherited his first title, the 4th Earl of Callendar, in December 1692. He received this title from his father. A few years later, in August 1695, he became the 5th Earl of Linlithgow. This second title came from his cousin, George Livingston, who had no children.
Life and the Jacobite Rising
In 1712, James Livingston was a Captain in the army, in charge of a group of soldiers at Blackness Castle. From 1713, he also served as a Scottish Representative Peer. This meant he helped represent Scotland in the British Parliament.
James was a strong supporter of the Jacobites. The Jacobites wanted to bring back King James II's family to the throne of Great Britain. In 1715, James Livingston joined the Jacobite Rising, which was a rebellion against the current King. He led a group of horsemen in the Battle of Sheriffmuir in November 1715.
The Jacobites lost this battle. Even though James Livingston surrendered, he was found guilty of fighting against the King. Because of this, he lost all his land and titles. His family's home, Linlithgow Palace, was given to another nobleman.
After losing everything, James Livingston escaped from Scotland in 1716. He went to live in Italy, joining the exiled King James III.
Family Life
James Livingston married Lady Margaret Hay sometime after May 1707. She was the daughter of John Hay, 12th Earl of Erroll. James and Lady Margaret had two children together:
- Hon. James Livingston, Lord Livingston (1710–1715), who sadly died when he was very young.
- Lady Anne Livingston (1709–1747). She married William Boyd, the 4th Earl of Kilmarnock. He also faced serious consequences and lost his titles for his role in another rebellion.
James Livingston passed away on 25 April 1723 in Rome, Italy. Since his son died young and his daughter's husband lost his titles, the family's noble status eventually passed to his grandson, James, Lord Boyd.
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