John Baird, Lord Newbyth facts for kids
Sir John Baird of Newbyth (near East Linton), also known as Lord Newbyth (1620–1698), was an important Scottish lawyer, judge, politician, and diplomat. He served as a representative for Aberdeenshire in the Scottish Parliament.
Baird was the son of James Baird, a lawyer from Byth. His mother was Bathia, daughter of Sir John Dempster. John Baird became a lawyer on June 3, 1647. Around the same time, he married Margaret, daughter of Sir William Hay of Linplum. They had four children together.
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A Career in Law and Politics
John Baird was knighted by King Charles II when Charles became King of Scotland in 1651. Letters from that time often mention him, showing he was seen as a wise and important person.
Like his father, John Baird supported the Covenanters. This group believed in protecting the Presbyterian Church in Scotland. Because of his strong beliefs, he was fined a large sum of money (2,400 pounds) in 1662. However, his skill as a lawyer was too great to ignore. In 1664, he was made a judge, taking the title Lord Newbyth.
Representing Aberdeenshire
Lord Newbyth represented Aberdeenshire in the Scottish Parliaments of 1665 and 1667. He helped with important committees that dealt with taxes and supplies for the country.
In 1670, he was chosen as one of the people to discuss a possible treaty of union between Scotland and England. This shows how much he was trusted.
Standing Up for His Beliefs
In 1681, John Baird was removed from his position as a judge. This happened because he disagreed with some of the government's strict rules. However, when the Prince of Orange (who later became King William II of Scotland) came to power, Baird was re-appointed as a judge in 1689. He continued to serve on the bench until he passed away in 1698.
His Legacy
Lord Newbyth was also a legal writer. In the Advocates' Library in Edinburgh, you can find some of his handwritten papers. These include collections of legal decisions and practices from his time as a judge. They offer a valuable look into Scottish law during the 17th century.
