Robert Kerr, 1st Marquess of Lothian facts for kids
Robert Kerr, 1st Marquess of Lothian (born March 8, 1636 – died February 15, 1703) was an important Scottish nobleman. He was known as the 4th Earl of Lothian for many years. He also held the titles Lord Kerr and Lord Newbattle during his life.
Robert was the oldest son of William Kerr, 3rd Earl of Lothian and Anne Kerr. He was born at Newbattle Abbey in Scotland. He left Scotland to study in Europe from 1651 to 1657. He went to universities in Leyden, Saumur, and Angers.
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Early Titles and Family Disputes
In 1658, Robert tried to claim the title of Earl of Roxburghe, but he was not successful. Later, in 1661, his father had a disagreement with the new Earl of Roxburghe. This dispute was about using the title Lord Kerr. It was decided that this title would be for the Roxburghe family's heir. After this, Robert was known as Lord Newbattle.
Public Service and Political Roles
Lord Newbattle volunteered to fight in the Third Anglo-Dutch War in 1673. This was a conflict involving the Dutch. In 1675, he became the Earl of Lothian after his father passed away.
He became a Privy Counsellor in January 1686. This meant he advised the King. However, King James II removed him from this role in September of the same year.
Supporting the Glorious Revolution
Lothian supported the Glorious Revolution. This was a major event in British history that changed who was king. He took part in the Convention of Estates of Scotland. This was a special meeting in Scotland.
In 1689, he was made Lord Justice General of Scotland. This was a very high legal position, and he held it until he died. King William III re-appointed him as a privy counsellor in 1690. In the same year, he also became the Earl of Ancram after his uncle, Charles, passed away.
Working for Union
In 1692, he was the Lord High Commissioner to the Parliament of Scotland. He gave a speech to the Parliament. He encouraged them to be fair and open-minded towards ministers who wanted to join the Church of Scotland. However, the Parliament did not agree with his suggestion.
On June 23, 1701, he was given the new title of Marquess of Lothian. In 1702, he was appointed as a commissioner. His job was to help discuss the union of Scotland and England. This project aimed to join the two countries. However, he died the next year before the union was completed.
Family Life
Robert Kerr married Lady Jean Campbell in January 1660 or 1661. Lady Jean was the daughter of Archibald Campbell, 1st Marquess of Argyll. They had ten children together:
- William Kerr, 2nd Marquess of Lothian (1661–1722)
- Lord Charles Kerr (died 1735)
- Lord John Kerr (born 1673 – died 1735), who was an officer in the British Army.
- Lady Mary Kerr (born 1674 – died 1736), who married James Douglas, 2nd Marquess of Douglas.
- Lord Mark Kerr (born 1676–died 1752), who became a British general.
- Hon. Margaret Kerr (born 1670), died young.
- Hon. Jean Kerr (born 1671), died young.
- Lady Margaret Kerr (born 1678), died young.
- Hon. James Kerr (born 1679), who never married.
- Lady Annabella Kerr (born 1682), died young.
Robert also had a son named Captain John Kerr. He was killed at Douglas Castle by the Duke of Douglas.
Robert Kerr is buried in the family vault at Newbattle Church in Scotland.
