Maxwell Macdonald baronets facts for kids

The Maxwell Baronetcy is a special title that was created a long time ago, on April 12, 1682. It's a type of noble title, like a knighthood, but it can be passed down through a family. This specific title is connected to the Maxwell family from Pollok in Scotland.

The first person to hold this title was Sir John Maxwell. He was an important person in Scotland. He worked as the Lord Justice Clerk, which was a high legal position, from 1699 to 1702. He was also in charge of the University of Glasgow as its Rector for many years, from 1691 to 1718.

What is a Baronetcy?

A baronetcy is a hereditary title, meaning it can be passed down from a parent to their child, usually the eldest son. It's a bit like being a knight, but it's a permanent title for the family. The Maxwell Baronetcy was created in the Baronetage of Nova Scotia, which means it was set up when Nova Scotia (now part of Canada) was a Scottish colony.

The Maxwell Family's History

The Maxwell family is a very old Scottish family. They have a long history, including connections to the Earls of Nithsdale.

Brave Knights and Battles

One famous member of the family was Sir John Maxwell of Pollok. He was a brave knight who fought in the Battle of Otterburn in 1388. During this battle, he captured Sir Ralph Percy. Sir Ralph was the son of a very important English noble, the Earl of Northumberland. His brother was Sir Henry Percy, who was known as "Hotspur" because he was so fiery!

Maxwells in Parliament

Many members of the Maxwell family became important politicians.

• The seventh Baronet, also named Sir John Maxwell, was a Member of Parliament for Paisley. This means he was elected to represent the people of Paisley in the British government.
• The eighth Baronet, another Sir John Maxwell, also served in the House of Commons. He represented areas called Renfrewshire and Lanarkshire.
• The ninth Baronet, Sir William Stirling-Maxwell, added "Stirling" to his name. He was a Conservative Member of Parliament for Perthshire. He was also given a special honor called a Knight of the Thistle.
• The tenth Baronet, Sir John Maxwell Stirling-Maxwell, was also a Member of Parliament for Glasgow College. He also became a Knight of the Thistle.

The Baronetcy Today

After the tenth Baronet passed away in 1956, the baronetcy became "dormant." This means it was inactive for a while. However, in 2005, his daughter, Dame Anne Maxwell Macdonald, was officially recognized as the 11th holder of the title. She had actually inherited it in 1956.

When Dame Anne passed away in 2011, her eldest son, John Ronald Maxwell Macdonald, became the 12th Baronet. He was born in 1936.

Other Notable Maxwells

Darcy Maxwell was married for a short time to Sir Walter Maxwell, who died in 1762. She was known for being a leader in the Methodist movement, a type of Christian religion.

Archibald Stirling of Keir was the second son of the ninth Baronet. He became a Brigadier-General in the British Army, which is a high rank in the military.

Maxwell Baronets of Pollok (1682/1707)

Here is a list of the people who have held the Maxwell Baronetcy:

• Sir John Maxwell, 1st Baronet (1648–1732)
• Sir John Maxwell, 2nd Baronet (1686–1752)
• Sir John Maxwell, 3rd Baronet (1720–1758)
• Sir Walter Maxwell, 4th Baronet (1732–1762)
• Sir John Maxwell, 5th Baronet (1761–1762)
• Sir James Maxwell, 6th Baronet (1735–1785)
• Sir John Maxwell, 7th Baronet (1768–1844)
• Sir John Maxwell, 8th Baronet (1791–1865)
• Sir William Stirling-Maxwell, 9th Baronet (1818–1878)
• Sir John Maxwell Stirling-Maxwell, 10th Baronet (1866–1956)
• Dame Anne Maxwell Macdonald, 11th Baronetess (1906–2011)
• Sir John Ronald Maxwell Macdonald, 12th Baronet (born 1936)

The person who is expected to inherit the title next is the current holder's son, John Ranald Maxwell Macdonald, who was born in 1965.