Mark Kerr, 1st Earl of Lothian facts for kids
Mark Kerr (born 1553, died April 8, 1609) was an important Scottish nobleman and politician. He was known as the 1st Earl of Lothian starting in 1606.
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Mark Kerr's Family Background
Mark Kerr came from a well-known family called Ker of Cessford. His father was also named Mark Kerr, and he was the abbot of Newbattle Abbey in Midlothian. His mother was Helen Leslie. She was the sister of the Earl of Rothes.
The Kerr family had roots in Anglo-Norman areas. They settled in Scotland during the 1200s. Mark Kerr and his family lived at Newbattle Abbey. This was a large house built on the site of an old monastery from 1140.
Mark Kerr's Career and Roles
Mark Kerr held several important positions during his life. In 1567, he became the Vicar of Linton. Ten years later, in 1577, he was named the Master of Requests. He kept this role until 1606.
In 1580, he worked as a gentleman in the king's own room. The next year, in 1581, he took over from his father as the Commendator of Newbottle.
Becoming a Lord and Privy Counsellor
Like his father, Mark Kerr became an Extraordinary Lord of Session for the king in 1584. This meant he helped with legal matters. His lands at Newbattle were also made into a Barony.
On October 28, 1587, he was made a Lord of Parliament. This gave him the title Lord Newbottle. Around the same time, he also became a Privy Counsellor. This meant he advised the king on important matters.
Later Achievements and Titles
In December 1593, Mark Kerr joined a special group. Their job was to check the money spent by the Chancellor, John Maitland of Thirlestane. This money was used for the royal voyages. The funds came from an English payment and the dowry of Anne of Denmark.
In 1604, he worked as a temporary Chancellor. This was a very high position in the government. On July 10, 1606, he received a very special title. He was made the Earl of Lothian. In the same year, he left his role as Master of Requests.
Mark Kerr had homes in places called "Morphele" and Prestongrange.
Mark Kerr's Marriage and Children
Mark Kerr married Margaret Maxwell. She was the daughter of John Maxwell, Lord Herries. People said that Mark Kerr and Margaret Maxwell had many children, possibly 31!
Their children included:
- Robert Kerr, 2nd Earl of Lothian
- Anne Kerr
- Margaret Kerr, who married James Hay, 7th Lord Hay of Yester
- Janet Kerr, who married William Cunningham, 8th Earl of Glencairn
- Jean Kerr, who married three times. Her husbands were Robert Boyd, Master of Boyd, then David Lindsay, 12th Earl of Crawford, and later Thomas Hamilton of Robertoun. In 1623, King James helped Jean Kerr and her children. This was because she had been a loyal helper to Anne of Denmark.
The Death of Mark Kerr
Mark Kerr passed away on April 8, 1609.
His wife, Margaret Maxwell, died at Prestongrange House on January 8, 1617.
Mark Kerr's son, Robert, became the 2nd Earl of Lothian after his father's death. Robert did not have any sons. So, the title later passed to his daughter, Anne Kerr, Countess of Lothian. In 1631, Anne's husband was given the title William Kerr, 1st Earl of Lothian.
See also
