Richard Maitland, 4th Earl of Lauderdale facts for kids
Richard Maitland, 4th Earl of Lauderdale (born 20 June 1653 in Haltoun House, Scotland – died 1695 in Paris, France) was an important Scottish politician. He lived during a time of big changes in Scotland and England.
Early Life and Family
Richard Maitland was the oldest son of Charles Maitland, 3rd Earl of Lauderdale. His mother was Elizabeth Lauder. Before he became an Earl, people knew him as "Lord Maitland." He grew up in a family that was involved in Scottish politics.
A Career in Politics
Richard Maitland started his political career at a young age. In 1678, he became a Privy Councillor. This meant he was a trusted advisor to the King. He also worked with his father as a joint General of the Mint, which involved managing the country's money and coins.
Later, in 1680, he became the Lord Justice Clerk. This was a very important legal job, similar to a judge. However, in 1684, he lost this job. This happened because people suspected he was in contact with his father-in-law, Archibald Campbell, 9th Earl of Argyll. His father-in-law had left the country in 1681 due to political problems.
Supporting King James
By 1687, Richard Maitland was back in favour with the King. He was made Treasurer-depute, which meant he helped manage the country's money again. He was a strong supporter of King James II and VII.
King James faced a challenge to his rule from his son-in-law, William. Many nobles were unhappy with King James, partly because he was Catholic. When King James had a son, it seemed a Catholic would rule next. This led to a big event known as the "The Glorious Revolution." King James left the country, and William took the throne.
Exile and Later Life
Richard Maitland stayed loyal to King James. He was even with King James at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. After this battle, he went to Limerick and then joined King James in exile in France.
In 1691, Richard became the 4th Earl of Lauderdale after his father passed away. However, because he had supported King James, the Scottish court declared him an outlaw in 1694.
While living in France, Richard Maitland spent his time translating famous Latin poems. He translated the works of a Roman poet named Virgil into English verse. His translation was published after he died in 1709.
Richard Maitland married Anne Campbell in 1678. She was the daughter of Archibald Campbell, 9th Earl of Argyll. They did not have any children. When Richard died in 1695, his brother, John Lauder or Maitland, 5th Earl of Lauderdale, became the next Earl.
