Patrick Moncreiff facts for kids
Patrick Moncreiff (born around 1674, died 1709) was an important Scottish politician. He came from Reidie and Myres Castle in Fife, Scotland. He served in the Parliament of Scotland from 1706 to 1707. After Scotland joined with England, he became a member of the new British House of Commons. He served there from 1707 until his death in 1709.
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Who Was Patrick Moncreiff?
Patrick Moncreiff was the second son of George Moncreiff. His family lived at Reidie and Myres Castle. His mother was Margaret Leslie. She was the daughter of John Leslie, who also owned Myres Castle.
Early Life and Education
In 1694, Patrick Moncreiff joined the army. He became a lieutenant in a new regiment (a group of soldiers). This group was led by Lord John Murray. By 1695, Patrick was promoted to captain. His regiment was later disbanded in 1697.
After his time in the army, Patrick went to study. In 1698, when he was 24, he studied in Leyden. This was a city in the Netherlands. He returned to Scotland in 1701. There, he became an advocate. An advocate is like a lawyer who speaks for others in court.
In 1702, he became a Burgess of Edinburgh. This meant he had special rights as a citizen of the city. On March 1, 1702, he got married. His wife was Anna or Agnes Skene. She was the daughter of John Drummond. Anna died before 1720.
Joining Politics
Patrick Moncreiff was chosen to represent Kinghorn in the Scottish Parliament. He became a Burgh Commissioner on June 18, 1706. A Burgh Commissioner was a person elected to represent a town in Parliament.
He strongly supported the idea of the Union. This was when Scotland and England joined together to form Great Britain. Some people believed he was influenced by the Earl of Leven. Because he supported the government, he was chosen. He became one of the Scottish representatives in the very first Parliament of Great Britain in 1707.
Serving in Parliament
In December 1707, there were important discussions. These talks were about getting rid of the Scottish Privy Council. The Privy Council was a group of advisors to the monarch. Patrick Moncreiff spoke in favor of the government's plan. People praised his speeches for being very good.
In March 1708, he returned to the military. He became a captain and lieutenant-colonel in the Scots Foot Guards.
Later in 1708, there was a general election in Britain. Patrick Moncreiff ran to be a Member of Parliament for Fife. It was a very close election, but he won.
Later Life and Legacy
Patrick Moncreiff died in London in January 1709. He passed away on or just before January 20. He left behind a son and a daughter.
