Robert Ker, 1st Earl of Roxburghe facts for kids

Robert Ker, who lived from about 1570 to 1650, was an important Scottish nobleman. This means he was a person of high rank and influence in Scotland during his time. He became the first Earl of Roxburghe.

Early Life and Family

Robert Ker was the oldest son of William Ker of Cessford, who passed away in 1605, and Janet Douglas. His mother, Janet, had been married before to James Tweedie of Drumelzier. She was also the third daughter of Sir James Douglas of Drumlanrig.

Robert's grandfather on his father's side was Sir Walter Ker of Cessford. Sir Walter was known for fighting against Mary, Queen of Scots, in important battles like Carberry Hill and Langside.

His Important Career

Robert Ker was made a knight on May 17, 1590. This happened during the celebration of Anne of Denmark becoming queen. In December 1590, he was involved in the death of William Kerr of Ancram. Two of Robert's followers shot William with a pistol.

Ker married Margaret Maitland, who was the niece of John Maitland, 1st Lord Maitland of Thirlestane. John Maitland was the Chancellor of Scotland, a very powerful government official. In 1592, Ker helped Maitland gain favor with Queen Anne of Denmark.

In 1593, Ker held important roles as Deputy Keeper of Liddesdale and Warden of the Middle March. These jobs involved keeping order and protecting the border areas of Scotland. In August 1594, he took part in a special show at Stirling Castle for the baptism of Henry Frederick, Prince of Wales. Robert dressed up as a Turkish knight for the event.

He helped King James VI of Scotland against a powerful lord named Bothwell. In 1598, Ker was sent to England and stayed with the Archbishop of York at Bishopsthorpe.

Robert Ker became a member of the Privy Council of Scotland in 1599. This was a group of trusted advisors to the King. In 1600, he was given the title of Lord Roxburghe. In April 1601, he invited King James VI and Queen Anne to a wedding at Floors Castle. However, the King did not attend because he suspected a plot.

In September 1602, he visited Elizabeth I of England. A very important English official, Sir Robert Cecil, said that Ker was "wise and gallant." In 1603, Ker went with King James to London when James became King of England as well.

Robert Ker inherited his father's lands in 1606. In 1607, he became a Gentleman of the Bedchamber, a close attendant to the King.

On September 18, 1616, he received even higher titles. He was made Lord Ker of Cessford and Caverton, and also the Earl of Roxburghe. This meant his family would hold these titles for generations.

In April 1625, when King James's body was being moved, it was noticed that the Earls of Morton and Roxburghe were not there. They were instead enjoying themselves at More Park.

He was given the important job of Keeper of the Privy Seal of Scotland in 1637. This role involved looking after the King's special seal used for official documents.

In 1638, he signed the King's Covenant at Holyrood Palace. He also joined the King's side during the English Civil War. In 1642, when the King tried to arrest five members of the House of Commons, Ker kept the door open. He supported a plan in 1648 to help the King, which was called the "Engagement." Because of this, he lost his job as Keeper of the Privy Seal in 1649.

His Family Life

The Earl of Roxburghe was married three times.

His first marriage was on October 27, 1587, to Margaret Maitland. She passed away by 1613. Margaret was the only daughter of William Maitland of Lethington and Mary Fleming. Mary Fleming was one of the "Four Maries," who were close friends and companions to Mary, Queen of Scots. Robert and Margaret had four children:

• William Ker, who was called Lord Ker. He died in 1643, before his father.
• Jean Ker, who married John Drummond, 2nd Earl of Perth.
• Isabel Ker, who married James Scrymgeour, 2nd Viscount of Dudhope.
• Mary Ker, who first married Sir James Haliburton of Pitcur. After he died, she married James Carnegie, 2nd Earl of Southesk.

On February 3, 1613/14, he married his second wife, Jean Drummond. She lived from about 1585 to 1643. Jean was the sister of his son-in-law, and the third daughter of Patrick Drummond, 3rd Lord Drummond. They had one son:

• Henry Ker, who was called Lord Ker. He died in 1643. In 1638, he married Lady Margaret Hay. They had three daughters: Jean, Mary, and Margaret. After Henry died, his wife Margaret married John Kennedy, 6th Earl of Cassilis.

After his second wife passed away in 1643, he married Lady Isobel Douglas. She was the fifth daughter of William Douglas, 7th Earl of Morton.

Robert Ker, the 1st Earl of Roxburghe, died at Floors Castle, his home near Kelso, on January 18, 1650. After his death, his wife Isobel married James Graham, 2nd Marquess of Montrose.

His will, which is a legal document about his belongings, mentioned some special jewels. These included a chain of diamonds and rubies, and a locket with a tiny portrait of Anne of Denmark. This locket had a heart-shaped diamond in the middle. He also owned a "valentine" jewel with diamonds and a crown, which had a picture of Charles I of England when he was the Duke of York. These jewels were likely gifts from the queen to his wife.

Passing on the Titles

Both of Robert Ker's sons died before him and did not have any sons of their own. Because of this, his titles and lands were passed on in a special way. They went to his grandson, William Drummond (1622–1675). William was the youngest son of Robert's eldest daughter, Jean, and her husband, John Drummond, 2nd Earl of Perth. William took the name Ker, became the 2nd Earl of Roxburghe, and married his cousin, Jean, who was Lord Ker's daughter.