Mark Kerr (abbot) facts for kids

Mark Kerr (died 1584) was an important Scottish church leader. He became the abbot of Newbattle Abbey. Later, he joined a group of people who wanted to change the church. These people were called reformers.

Mark Kerr's Life

Mark Kerr was the second son of Sir Andrew Kerr of Cessford. In 1546, he became the abbot of Newbattle. When he stopped being Catholic in 1560, he still kept his position as abbot.

In 1560, Mark Kerr signed an agreement in Edinburgh. This agreement was to support the "evangell of Christ," which meant the new Protestant teachings. Later, he was given the role of vicar in West Linton, Peeblesshire.

In 1567, he was part of a group that looked into church rules. In 1569, he became an important judge. He also joined the king's special advisory group, called the privy council. In 1573, he was chosen to be a judge for certain cases.

When Regent Morton lost power in 1578, Mark Kerr was part of a new council. This council of twelve people helped run the government for the king. He also helped try to make peace when Morton took Stirling Castle.

In 1581, Mark Kerr continued to support Esmé Stewart, 1st Duke of Lennox. Lennox was a close friend of King James VI.

Helen Leslie, Lady Newbattle, Mark Kerr's wife

In 1581, Kerr met with an English diplomat named Thomas Randolph. Kerr asked for a travel pass for Lord Seton. Lord Seton wanted to be an ambassador to England. Randolph said no, because Seton had not been friendly to England before. Kerr then told the king about Randolph's answer.

Esmé Stewart gave Mark Kerr a special cupboard for his home, Prestongrange House. In 1581, a room in his house was painted with bright pictures and funny figures. These pictures were copied from a French book.

Mark Kerr died in 1584.

Family

Mark Kerr was married to Lady Helen Leslie. She was the daughter of George Leslie, 4th Earl of Rothes.

They had four sons:

• Mark Kerr, 1st Earl of Lothian
• Andrew of Fenton
• George, who was a Catholic messenger
• William

They also had one daughter, Catherine. She married William, Lord Herries. There were paintings of Mark Kerr and his wife at Newbattle.