James Stuart-Mackenzie facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Stuart-Mackenzie
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| Keeper of the Privy Seal of Scotland | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In office 1766–1800 |
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| Preceded by | The Earl of Breadalbane and Holland | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Succeeded by | The Viscount Melville | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In office 1763–1765 |
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| Preceded by | The Duke of Atholl | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Succeeded by | Lord Frederick Campbell | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| British Minister at Turin | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In office 1758–1761 |
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| Preceded by | The Earl of Bristol | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Succeeded by | The Lord Rivers | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Personal details | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born |
James Stuart
30 October 1718 Rothesay, Isle of Bute, Scotland |
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| Died | 8 April 1800 (aged 81) London, England |
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| Spouse |
Lady Elizabeth Campbell
(m. 1749; died 1799) |
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| Parents | James Stuart, 2nd Earl of Bute Lady Anne Campbell |
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| Alma mater | University of Leiden Eton College |
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James Stuart-Mackenzie (born October 30, 1718 – died April 8, 1800) was an important Scottish politician. He helped start the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 1783, which is a famous group for learning and science. James was the second son of James Stuart, 2nd Earl of Bute.
He worked as a Member of Parliament (MP) for different parts of Scotland from 1742 to 1780. This meant he helped make laws for the country. He also worked as a British Minister in Turin, Italy, from 1758 to 1761. In 1761, he became a Privy Councillor. This was a special advisor role to the King. He also served as the Keeper of the Privy Seal of Scotland from 1763 to 1765, and again from 1766 until he died in 1800.
Contents
His Life and Work
James Stuart was born in Rothesay, Scotland. His father was James Stuart, 2nd Earl of Bute. His mother was Lady Anne Campbell. His older brother, John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute, later became the Prime Minister of Great Britain.
Education and Early Career
James went to Eton College, a famous school, from 1728 to 1732. After that, he traveled to Europe to study at the University of Leyden in the Netherlands. He finished his studies there in 1737.
He later added "Mackenzie" to his name. This was because he inherited some land called Rosehaugh estates from his grandmother, Agnes Mackenzie.
Political Roles
James Stuart-Mackenzie became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Buteshire in 1747. He held this job until 1754. Then, he represented Ross-shire in Parliament from 1761 to 1780.
In 1761, he became a Privy Councillor. This was a high honor, meaning he was a trusted advisor to the King. From 1763 to 1765, and again from 1766 until his death, he was the Keeper of the Privy Seal of Scotland. This was an important government job in Scotland.
Belmont Castle and Astronomy
In 1752, James Stuart-Mackenzie sold his Rosehaugh estates. He then bought land in Meigle and built a large house called Belmont Castle. It cost him about £10,000, which was a huge amount of money back then!
He was a very smart and curious person, especially interested in astronomy. Astronomy is the study of stars, planets, and space. He owned a special telescope, which is now kept at the Whipple Museum of the History of Science at the University of Cambridge. He also started building an observatory on Kinpurnie Hill, which was part of his land. An observatory is a building with telescopes for looking at the sky. The design for this observatory was made by Alexander Bryce, a minister and scientist. However, the observatory was never fully finished.
James Stuart-Mackenzie passed away on April 8, 1800.
His Family
In 1749, James Stuart-Mackenzie married his cousin, Lady Elizabeth Campbell. She was the daughter of John Campbell, 2nd Duke of Argyll. They did not have any children who survived. Lady Elizabeth died in July 1799. James passed away less than a year later, in April 1800. After his death, his land and wealth went to his nephew, James Stuart-Wortley-Mackenzie.
His brother-in-law was Robert Bruce, Lord Kennet.
