James Lockhart of Lee facts for kids
Sir James Lockhart, Lord Lee (died 1674) was an important Scottish figure who worked for the king, served in politics, and was a judge. He was also a military leader who supported the king during a time of big conflicts known as the Wars of the Three Kingdoms.
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Sir James Lockhart's Early Life and Career
Sir James Lockhart came from a well-known family in Scotland. When he was a young man, he worked closely with King Charles I as a "gentleman of the privy chamber." This meant he was a trusted assistant to the king. He was also given the title of "Sir" (knighted).
Lockhart was involved in Scottish politics. He served in the Scottish Parliament in 1630 and 1633, representing the area of Lanarkshire. In 1633, he was chosen as a "lord of the articles," which was a special group that helped prepare laws for the Parliament to discuss.
Political Challenges and Royal Support
Lockhart did not attend the Parliament in 1641, possibly because he was a strong supporter of the Marquis of Hamilton. He continued to represent Lanarkshire in Parliament in 1645.
In 1645, he became a "commissioner of the exchequer," helping to manage the country's money. The next year, in 1646, he was appointed a "lord of session," which meant he became a judge in Scotland's highest court.
Role in the Wars of the Three Kingdoms
Lockhart was a loyal supporter of King Charles I during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. These wars were a series of conflicts across England, Scotland, and Ireland. In 1648, he joined a group trying to help the King. He led a regiment (a military unit) at the Battle of Preston.
However, after the King's side lost, Lockhart faced difficulties. In 1649, he lost his job as a judge because of a law called the "Act of Classes." He was also banished (sent away) from Scotland in 1650. He asked for his banishment to be removed, and it was.
Imprisonment and Return to Public Life
After returning, Lockhart became part of a committee that helped raise an army for King Charles II. But in 1651, he was captured by English soldiers near Blyth. He was taken as a prisoner to Broughty Castle and then to England, where he was held in the Tower of London.
Several years later, Lockhart's son, Sir William Lockhart, helped him get released from prison. In 1661, Sir James Lockhart was able to return to his job as a judge. He also became a member of the Privy Council in Scotland, which advised the king, and was again a commissioner of the exchequer.
He continued to represent Lanarkshire in Parliament in 1661, 1665, and 1669. Throughout these years, he remained a "lord of the articles." In 1671, he became the "lord justice clerk," a very important legal position, which he held until he passed away in May 1674.
Sir James Lockhart's Family
Sir James Lockhart was married twice. His first wife was Helen Fairlie. Later, he married Martha Douglas, who had been a maid of honor to Queen Henrietta Maria.
With his second wife, Martha, he had several children, including:
- William, his first son.
- George, his second son, who died in 1689.
- John, who lived at Castle-hill.
- Anne, who married George Lockhart of Torbreicks.
- Martha, who married Sir William Lindsay of Covington.
