Marquess of Zetland facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Marquessate of Zetland
Arms: Argent, a Lion rampant within a Double Tressure flory counterflory Gules, all within a Bordure Azure. Crest: A Lion's Head affrontée proper, crowned with an Antique Crown Or, encircled by a Chaplet of Oak Vert, fructed Or. Supporters: On either side a Lion proper, crowned with an Antique Crown Or, and gorged with a Chaplet of Oak Vert, fructed Or, pendent therefrom an Escutcheon, the dexter being Argent, a Saltire and Chief Gules, on a Canton Argent, a Lion rampant Azure (for Bruce); and the sinister being lozengy Azure and Gules (for FitzWilliam).
Creation date	22 August 1892
Monarch	Queen Victoria
Peerage	Peerage of the United Kingdom
First holder	Lawrence Dundas, 3rd Earl of Zetland
Present holder	Lawrence Mark Dundas, 4th Marquess
Heir apparent	Robin Lawrence Dundas, Earl of Ronaldshay
Remainder to	the 1st Marquess' of the body lawfully begotten
Subsidiary titles	Earl of Zetland Earl of Ronaldshay Baron Dundas Baronet 'of Kerse'
Status	Extant
Seat(s)	Aske Hall
Motto	ESSAYEZ (Try)

The Marquess of Zetland is an important title. It belongs to the Peerage of the United Kingdom. This title was created on August 22, 1892. The first person to hold it was Lawrence Dundas. He was also the 3rd Earl of Zetland. "Zetland" is an old name for the Shetland Islands.

The Dundas family comes from a rich Scottish businessman. His name was Lawrence Dundas. He was also a Member of Parliament, which means he helped make laws.

The Dundas Family History

Early Titles and Influence

In 1762, Lawrence Dundas was given the title of Baronet. This title was "of Kerse" in Linlithgowshire, Scotland. After him, his son, the second Baronet, took over the title. This son was also a Member of Parliament. He represented areas like Richmond and Stirling. He also served as the Lord Lieutenant of Orkney and Shetland. This role meant he was the King's or Queen's representative in those areas.

In 1794, he received another title: Baron Dundas. This title was "of Aske" in North Yorkshire. Lord Dundas bought the rights to the earldom of Orkney and the lordship of Zetland. He bought them from James Douglas, 14th Earl of Morton.

Becoming Earls of Zetland

His son, the second Baron, also became a Member of Parliament. He represented Richmond and was Lord Lieutenant of Orkney and Shetland. In 1838, he was made Earl of Zetland. This was another title in the Peerage of the United Kingdom.

His oldest son became the second Earl. He also served in Parliament for Richmond and York. He was also the Lord Lieutenant of the North Riding of Yorkshire.

The First Marquess of Zetland

When the second Earl passed away, his nephew became the third Earl. His name was Lawrence Dundas. He started as a member of the Liberal Party. He held a small job in the government of William Ewart Gladstone. Later, he joined the Conservative Party.

From 1889 to 1892, he served as the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. This was a very important job. In 1892, he was given two new honors. He was made Earl of Ronaldshay and Marquess of Zetland. The title "Earl of Ronaldshay" is a special title. It is used by the oldest son and heir of the Marquess.

Later Marquesses and Their Roles

The first Marquess was followed by his son, the second Marquess. He was also an important politician. He served as the Governor of Bengal in India. He was also the Secretary of State for India. This meant he was in charge of British affairs in India.

As of 2016, the current holder of the titles is the fourth Marquess. He is the grandson of the second Marquess. He took over the titles in 1989.

The family's main home is Aske Hall, which is in Richmond, North Yorkshire.

Who Inherits the Title?

The person who will inherit the title next is called the heir apparent. For the current Marquess, his oldest son, Robin Lawrence Dundas, is the Earl of Ronaldshay. He is the heir apparent.

The next person in line after Robin is his brother, Lord James Edward Dundas. After Lord James, his son, Milo James Dundas, is next in line.

Line of Succession (Simplified)