John Ker, 1st Duke of Roxburghe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Duke of Roxburghe
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Secretary of State for Scotland | |
| In office 1716–1725 |
|
| Preceded by | The Duke of Montrose |
| Succeeded by | Vacant |
| Keeper of the Privy Seal of Scotland | |
| In office 1707–1741 |
|
| Preceded by | The Duke of Atholl |
| Succeeded by | The Marquess of Annandale |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 30 April 1680 |
| Died | 27 February 1741 (aged 60) |
| Spouses |
Lady Mary Savile
(m. 1707; |
| Parents | Robert Ker, 3rd Earl of Roxburghe Margaret Hay |
| Relatives | Robert Ker, 4th Earl of Roxburghe (brother) John Hay, 1st Marquess of Tweeddale (grandfather) |
John Ker, 1st Duke of Roxburghe (born April 30, 1680 – died February 27, 1741) was an important Scottish nobleman. He played a big part in uniting Scotland and England. He also held several high-ranking government jobs during his life.
Contents
Early Life and Family
John Ker was born on April 30, 1680. His father was Robert Ker, 3rd Earl of Roxburghe, and his mother was Margaret Hay. He had an older brother named Robert and a younger brother named William.
When his older brother Robert passed away in 1696, John became the 5th Earl of Roxburghe. This meant he inherited his family's title and lands.
A Career in Politics
John Ker became a top government official, known as a Secretary of State for Scotland, in 1704. He worked hard to help bring Scotland and England together. This led to the Acts of Union in 1707. These acts officially joined the two countries to form Great Britain.
Because of his important work, John Ker was given the title of Duke of Roxburghe in 1707. This was a very high honor. He was the last person to be made a Duke in the Scottish peerage (a system of noble titles).
He also became a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1707. This is a group that promotes science.
Serving the King
The Duke of Roxburghe represented Scotland in the British Parliament several times. When George I became king, he made John Ker a Privy Councillor. This meant he was a trusted advisor to the king. He also became the Keeper of the Privy Seal of Scotland.
John Ker was very loyal to King George I. He supported the king during the Jacobite rising in 1715. This was a rebellion by people who wanted a different king.
From 1716 to 1725, he served as the Secretary of State for Scotland in the British government. However, he disagreed with a new tax called the "malt tax." This tax was on ingredients used to make beer. Because he opposed this tax, he was removed from his job in 1725.
Other Contributions
In 1727, John Ker was one of the people who carried the coffin of the famous scientist Sir Isaac Newton at his funeral. He also helped start the Foundling Hospital in 1739. This was a charity that cared for abandoned children.
Personal Life
On January 1, 1707, John Ker married Lady Mary Savile. She was a widow and the only child of Daniel Finch, 7th Earl of Winchilsea.
John and Mary had one son together:
- Robert Ker (born around 1709 – died 1755). He later became the 2nd Duke of Roxburghe.
Lady Mary, the Duchess of Roxburghe, passed away on September 19, 1718. The Duke himself died on February 27, 1741. He was first buried in his family's vault. Later, his remains were moved to the Roxburghe Aisle, which is part of Kelso Abbey.
