Robert Ker, 3rd Earl of Roxburghe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Roxburghe
|
|
|---|---|
| Personal details | |
| Born | c. 1658 |
| Died | 6 May 1682 (aged 23–24) |
| Spouse |
Lady Margaret Hay
(m. 1675) |
| Children | Robert Ker, 4th Earl of Roxburghe John Ker, 1st Duke of Roxburghe William Ker |
| Parents | William Ker, 2nd Earl of Roxburghe Hon. Jane Ker |
| Relatives | John Drummond, 2nd Earl of Perth (grandfather) |
Robert Ker, the 3rd Earl of Roxburghe, was an important Scottish nobleman who lived from about 1658 to 1682. He was also a member of the Privy Council of Scotland, a group of advisors to the King.
Contents
Robert Ker's Early Life
Robert Ker was the oldest of four sons. His parents were William Ker, 2nd Earl of Roxburghe and Jane Ker. Interestingly, his parents were also first cousins.
Family Connections
Robert had younger brothers, including William Ker, who became the Sheriff of Tweeddale. Another brother, John Ker, later changed his name to Bellenden. He became the 2nd Lord Bellenden, inheriting this title from a distant cousin. Robert also had a sister, Lady Jean Ker. She married Colin Lindsay, 3rd Earl of Balcarres, who was a strong supporter of King James II of England.
Robert's grandparents on his father's side were John Drummond, 2nd Earl of Perth, and Lady Jean Ker. Lady Jean was the oldest daughter of Robert Ker, 1st Earl of Roxburghe. His father's oldest brother was James Drummond, 3rd Earl of Perth. Robert's cousin, James Drummond, 4th Earl of Perth, was later given the special title of Duke of Perth in 1701.
On his mother's side, his grandparents were Henry Ker, Lord Ker and Lady Margaret Hay. After his grandfather passed away, his grandmother married John Kennedy, 6th Earl of Cassilis.
Becoming the Earl of Roxburghe
When Robert's father died in 1675, Robert was only 17 years old. He then became the 3rd Earl of Roxburghe, inheriting his family's important titles and lands.
Important Roles and Duties
In 1680, Robert Ker became a Privy Councillor. This meant he was an important advisor to the government in Scotland. The next year, in 1681, he took on several other key roles. He served as the Sheriff Principal of Selkirk. He was also the Sheriff of Roxburghshire and the Baillie of the Regality of Melrose. These roles involved managing law and order in those areas.
Robert Ker's Family and Legacy
On October 10, 1675, Robert Ker married Lady Margaret Hay. She was the oldest daughter of John Hay, 1st Marquess of Tweeddale. Together, Robert and Margaret had three sons.
His Children and Their Futures
- Robert Ker, 4th Earl of Roxburghe (born around 1677–died 1696). He passed away without marrying.
- John Ker, 5th Earl of Roxburghe (born around 1680–died 1741). He married Lady Mary Savile. She was the only child of Daniel Finch, 7th Earl of Winchilsea.
- William Ker (died 1741). He became a general in the British Army. He fought in battles in Europe under the famous John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough. William was also a Member of Parliament for areas like Berwick and Dysart.
A Tragic End
Robert Ker died on May 6, 1682. He was on a ship called HMS Gloucester. The ship hit a sandbank off the coast of Norfolk and sank. After his death, his oldest son, Robert, became the 4th Earl of Roxburghe. However, this Robert died unmarried 14 years later.
The title then went to Robert Ker's second son, John. John was given many new and important titles on April 25, 1707. He became the Lord Ker of Cessford and Cavertoun, Viscount of Broxmouth, Earl of Kelso, and Marquess of Bowmont and Cessford. Most importantly, he became the 1st Duke of Roxburghe.
