Mark Napier (historian) facts for kids

Mark Napier (born 1798, died 1879) was a Scottish lawyer and writer. He worked as a lawyer and later became a Sheriff in Dumfries and Galloway. He wrote about history from a strong viewpoint, supporting the old royal families (like the Jacobites). He published books about his own family (the Napiers), and famous historical figures like Montrose and Claverhouse. One of his books caused some debate.

Napier was also interested in photography. He joined the Edinburgh Calotype Club, which was one of the world's first photography clubs, started in 1843. He was also a member of the Photographic Society of Scotland.

Early Life and Career

Mark Napier was born on July 24, 1798. His family, the Napiers of Merchiston, had a long history. His great-grandfather was Francis Napier, 6th Lord Napier. Mark's father, Francis Napier, was a lawyer in Edinburgh. His mother was Mary Elizabeth Jane Douglas.

Mark went to school at Edinburgh High School. He then studied at the University of Edinburgh. In 1820, he became a lawyer, known as an advocate, in Scotland.

Living in Edinburgh

In the 1830s, Mark Napier lived at 11 Stafford Street in Edinburgh. This area is in the west end of the city.

In 1844, he was given an important job. He became the Sheriff-depute of Dumfriesshire. This meant he was a judge and legal officer for the area. Later, Galloway was added to his duties in 1874. He held this job for the rest of his life.

He passed away on November 23, 1879. He was living at 6 Ainslie Place in Edinburgh at the time. He was the oldest lawyer still working in the Faculty of Advocates. Mark Napier is buried in St Cuthbert's churchyard in Edinburgh.

Mark Napier's Writings

Mark Napier was more famous for his writing than his legal work. His main legal books were about Scottish law.

In 1834, Napier published a book about John Napier of Merchiston. This was an important figure in his family. In 1839, he also edited some of John Napier's writings that had not been published before.

He wrote many books about the Marquis of Montrose. Montrose was a Scottish nobleman and general. Napier's books included:

• Montrose and the Covenanters (1838)
• Life and Times of Montrose (1840)
• Memorials of Montrose and his Times (1848 and 1850)
• Memoirs of the Marquis of Montrose (1856)

One of Napier's most famous works was Memorials of Graham of Claverhouse, Viscount Dundee. This book was published between 1859 and 1862. It included letters and documents by Claverhouse that had never been seen before.

This book led to a big discussion. It was about the story of the "Wigtown Martyrs". These were two women, Margaret Maclachlan and Margaret Wilson. People believed they were executed by drowning. Napier questioned if this event actually happened. He wrote more books to explain his views, like Case for the Crown (1863) and History Rescued (1870).

In 1835, Napier also wrote a book called History of the Partition of Lennox. His family had a historical link to the earldom of Lennox. After he died, his son Francis edited and published another book by him in 1880, called The Lennox of Auld.

Family Life

Mark Napier married his cousin, Charlotte Ogilvy. She was born in 1806 and passed away in 1883. She had been married before to William Dick Macfarlane.

Mark and Charlotte had a son and a daughter. Their son was Francis John Hamilton Scott, who became a commander in the Royal Navy. Their daughter was Frances Anne, who married Lieutenant-colonel Cecil Rice.

Images for kids

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  Mark Napier, photograph from around 1860.

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  Napier's house at 11 Stafford Street, Edinburgh.