John Clerk, Lord Eldin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lord Eldin
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John Clerk, Lord Eldin, portrait by Henry Raeburn, c.1815.
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| Solicitor General for Scotland | |
| In office 1806–1807 |
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| Preceded by | Robert Blair |
| Succeeded by | David Boyle |
| Lord of Session | |
| In office 10 November 1823 – 1828 |
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| Preceded by | William Bannatyne, Lord Bannatyne |
| Succeeded by | John Fullerton, Lord Fullerton |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 1757 |
| Died | 30 May 1832 Edinburgh |
John Clerk, Lord Eldin (1757– 30 May 1832) was an important Scottish judge. He was also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (FRSE) and a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries (FSA). He lived and worked in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Early Life and Career
John Clerk was born in April 1757 in Edinburgh. His mother was Susannah Adam, and his father was John Clerk of Eldin. His uncles were famous architects, John Adam and Robert Adam.
John Clerk first planned to work for the Indian Civil Service. However, he instead became an apprentice to a Writer to the Signet. This was a type of lawyer in Scotland. After finishing his training, he worked as an accountant for a few years.
In 1785, he became a member of the Faculty of Advocates. This meant he could work as a lawyer in Scotland's highest courts. At this time, he lived on Hanover Street in Edinburgh's First New Town.
Public Service and Judgeship
John Clerk was a member of the Whig political party. In 1806, he was chosen to be the Solicitor General for Scotland. This is a senior legal role, helping the government with legal matters. He held this job for about a year.
Later, in 1823, John Clerk became a judge. He was appointed an ordinary Lord of Session. This is a judge in Scotland's highest civil court. When he became a judge, he took the title Lord Eldin. He started his work on the bench on November 22, 1823.
He served as a judge for five years. In 1828, he had to resign because of poor health. John Fullerton, Lord Fullerton took his place. In his later years, he was known for having many cats, sometimes as many as six at a time!
Family and Legacy
John Clerk's father and uncle were friends with the famous geologist James Hutton. When his father passed away in 1812, John inherited a small estate called Eldin, near Bonnyrigg.
John Clerk never married. He passed away at his home in Edinburgh on May 30, 1832. He was buried with his family in the Eldin vault. This vault is located in the Old Kirk of Lasswade, just south of Edinburgh.
After his death, his collection of pictures and prints was sold. During the auction, an unfortunate accident happened when the floor gave way. Many people were injured.
The Eldin estate later passed to his brother, William Clerk. William then left it to Charles Ross, another Edinburgh lawyer.
Artistic Recognition
John Clerk was painted by the famous artist Henry Raeburn. Raeburn was his neighbor on York Place.
