Robert Ker of Kersland facts for kids

Robert Ker (1634–1680), also known as Robert Ker of Kersland, was an important figure in Scottish history. He was a Covenanter, which meant he strongly supported the Presbyterian Church in Scotland. This was a time when many people disagreed about how the church should be run.

Robert Ker sided with those who fought against the king's rules for the church. Because of this, he was declared a rebel. His lands and property were taken away. He managed to escape to Holland. However, when he secretly returned to Scotland to visit his sick wife, he was captured. He spent many years in different prisons. People who wrote about Christian history remember him as someone who suffered for his beliefs.

Robert Ker: A Covenanter's Story

Robert Ker of Kersland was a strong supporter of the Covenanters from a young age. He was known for being honest and trustworthy. Because of this, he earned the trust of many people who shared his beliefs.

Early Life and the Battle of Pentland

On November 28, 1666, Robert Ker joined a small group of horsemen. They gathered at Chitterflat, near Beith. Their goal was to meet up with Colonel Wallace's forces. This was just before the Battle of Rullion Green, also known as the Battle of Pentland.

After the battle, Robert Ker was accused of treason. This meant he was charged with going against the government. His family's estate was taken away and given to General Drummond. Robert Ker then had to flee to Holland to escape capture.

Captured and Imprisoned

In 1669, Robert Ker secretly returned to Scotland. He wanted to see his home, which was now controlled by General Drummond. Sadly, he was betrayed by someone he thought was a friend. He was arrested while visiting his wife in Edinburgh, who was ill.

He was held in Edinburgh for almost three months. After that, he was moved to Dumbarton Castle, where he stayed for about a year and a half. Then, he was sent to Aberdeen. There, he was kept in a cold prison cell without a fire for three months during winter.

From Aberdeen, he was brought back south to Stirling Castle. He spent several years there before being sent back to Dumbarton Castle. He remained there until October 1677. The government then allowed him to move to Irvine. He was given time to bring his family from Glasgow to Irvine.

Escape and Later Life

Robert Ker's family also faced many difficulties because of his imprisonment. In 1677, his punishment was eased, and he was allowed some freedom. However, he was captured again and put into Glasgow Tolbooth prison.

During a large fire in Glasgow, people helped him escape from the prison. After his escape, he spent time with "hill-preachers." These were ministers who held church services outdoors, often in secret, because they were not allowed to preach openly.

In August 1678, Robert Ker decided it was safer to leave Scotland again. He moved to Utrecht in Holland. He lived there until his death in 1680.

His Family and Legacy

After the Glorious Revolution in 1688, the government changed. Robert Ker's family property was given back to them. His oldest son, Robert, had passed away without children. So, his second son, Major Daniel Ker, inherited the estate.

Robert Ker married Barbara Montgomery. She had been married before to Alan Dunlop. After Robert Ker's death, his widow, Lady Kersland, held prayer meetings in her home in Holland.

Robert and Barbara had two sons:

• Robert, who died without children.
• Major Daniel Ker, who was killed in battle in 1692 at the Battle of Steinkirk.

They also had four daughters:

• Jean, who married Major William Borthwick.
• Margaret, who married Mr. Thomas Binning, a minister.
• Anna, who married John Crawfurd, a government spy.
• Elizabeth, who married Alexander Poterfield, a surgeon.

Robert Ker's story is remembered through some of his personal items. His sword, inkhorn (a small container for ink), and a small jar were kept by a servant. These items were passed down through the servant's family. The sword was a real Andrew Ferrara, a famous type of Scottish sword. The inkhorn was a small tube for ink and pens. These items are now kept by Mr. Andrew Crawford in Dalry.