James St Clair, 18th Baron of Roslin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William St Clair
|
|
|---|---|
| Baron of Roslin | |
Baron of Roslin coat of arms
|
|
| Predecessor | John St Clair, 17th Baron of Roslin |
| Successor | Alexander St Clair, 19th Baron of Roslin |
| Noble family | Clan Sinclair |
| Father | William St Clair, 16th Baron of Roslin |
| Mother | Dame Anna Spotswood |
James St Clair was a Scottish nobleman and the 18th Baron of Roslin. A baron was a powerful landowner who held land directly from the king.
Contents
Early Life
James St Clair was the third son of William St Clair, 16th Baron of Roslin, and Dame Anna Spotswood. His mother's father was John Spottiswoode, who was an important church leader. He served as the Archbishop of Glasgow and later the Archbishop of St Andrews. He was also the Chancellor of Scotland, a very high government position.
James's older brother, John St Clair, 17th Baron of Roslin, died in 1690. After his brother's death, James became the 18th Baron of Roslin.
Life and Work
James St Clair worked hard to get back the family's Roslin estate. He trained in London as an apprentice, learning a trade or skill.
Later, he traveled to France. There, he worked with a high-ranking member of the Knights of Malta. He also served the Archbishop of Corinth and even dedicated a book to him.
James also worked as a secretary for Lord Rutherford, the Viscount Teviot. He served him in places like Dunkirk and Tangier in Africa. Later, James became a government official, known as a Commissar, in Shetland.
Sadly, James St Clair did not rebuild Roslin Castle. It had been destroyed by soldiers under General Monk during the time of his older brother. This happened when Oliver Cromwell was in power.
Family Life
James St Clair, the 18th Baron of Roslin, married a woman named Jean. She was the daughter of Henry Spotswood, who was the Sheriff of Dublin.
They had several children:
- James St Clair: He was killed in 1690 while fighting for King James at the Battle of the Boyne in Ireland.
- Alexander St Clair, 19th Baron of Roslin: Born in 1672, he became the next Baron of Roslin after his father.
- Thomas St Clair: Born in 1676, he married Elizabeth Wachope. They had two sons and one daughter.
- Helen St Clair: Born in 1670, she married Henry Kerr of Gredane.
- Anna St Clair: Born in 1674, she sadly died when she was nine years old.
See also
