Robert Lauder of Beilmouth facts for kids

Sir Robert Lauder of Beilmouth (died 24 June 1709) was an important person in Scotland during his time. He was a lawyer and worked as a Clerk of Exchequer, which was a bit like a government accountant. In 1683, he became a Justice of the Peace for Haddingtonshire, helping to keep law and order. He also served in the old Scottish parliament, representing Haddington in 1685 and again in 1704. He helped manage supplies for Haddington in 1689 and 1690.

Family Background

Robert Lauder was the son of Robert Lauder of Belhaven and West Barns, near Dunbar. His mother was Marie Douglas. Robert Lauder junior is mentioned in his mother's will. Sometime between 1672 and 1677, Robert Lauder, who owned land in Belhaven and West Barns, officially registered his family's coat of arms. This showed he was a direct descendant of the Lauder family from The Bass. The family motto, which was above their crest, means it sprouts forth again. It's not clear if he started using the name 'of Beilmouth' when he registered his arms or when he was made a knight in the 1690s.

Working for Edinburgh

In December 1672, Robert Lauder took over from George Norvell as the official "Agent" for the city of Edinburgh and its university (Edinburgh University). This was decided by the town council.

On April 7, 1675, Robert Lauder became a Burgess of Edinburgh. This was a special title that gave him certain rights and privileges in the city. He got this right because of his wife, Jonet Young. Her father, Thomas Young, was also a Burgess.

In November 1681, Robert Lauder, who was still the Agent for Edinburgh and a Notary Public (someone who can legally witness documents), provided a copy of an important legal document called the "Test" to the Privy Council.

Lord Fountainhall, a famous judge, wrote that Robert Lauder left his job as Agent for Edinburgh in 1686. Mr. William Gordon took his place.

Clerk of Exchequer Role

Before 1677, Robert Lauder became one of the King's Clerks of Exchequer. This meant he was an important official who managed the country's money and financial records. Robert Lauder of Beilmouth is mentioned many times in documents related to money and legal actions involving the Exchequer. He was still working in this role in 1697.

Involvement in Witch Trials

Sir Robert Lauder's father, also named Robert, was part of a group that investigated accusations of witchcraft in 1661 and 1662. He also helped investigate a murder case in 1664.

The son, Robert Lauder of Beilmouth, also became involved in cases related to witchcraft. A judge named Lord Fountainhall wrote about a case where Robert Lauder and some other gentlemen in Dunbar were given permission by the Privy Council of Scotland to look into a case involving an old woman accused of being a witch. She was brought before the Council, and they considered letting her go. She was sent back to prison. The main evidence against her was that she had threatened people who didn't give her money, and bad things happened to those people soon after. On July 12, 1688, she was brought before the Council again. She was sent back to Dunbar for her judges to decide her fate, because she had confessed at one point, even though she later changed her story.

Burgess of Canongate

On October 2, 1705, Sir Robert Lauder of Beilmouth was given another special title: a Burgess of Canongate (a part of Edinburgh). He received this honor "for many good services done by him to the burgh," meaning he had helped the town in many ways.

Marriages and Children

Sir Robert Lauder died in Edinburgh. His will was officially approved on February 9, 1710. He was married three times:

• His first wife was Jonat Young. They married before 1673. Jonat passed away on August 18, 1687, and was buried in Greyfriars Churchyard in Edinburgh. They had several children:
  • A baby daughter who was buried in Greyfriars Churchyard on October 8, 1673.
  • Archibald Lauder of Beilmouth (born June 21, 1675), who was his oldest son and continued the family line.
  • Mary (born February 16, 1678), who later married George Hepburn, a doctor, and lived in Kings Lynn, Norfolk.
  • Jonet (born August 8, 1679).
• His second wife was Lilias Brown. They married on August 19, 1688, in Dunbar. They did not have any children.
• His third wife was Helen Ogilvy. They married on April 25, 1694, at the Tron Kirk in Edinburgh. Helen passed away on January 9, 1714. They had children together:
  • Robert Lauder of Rosecraig, Aberdeenshire (died January 7, 1723). He married Jean Gordon on October 11, 1722, in Banchory.
  • George Lauder of Pitscandlie, Forfarshire (born October 31, 1699 – died before July 29, 1760). He married Jean Burnett, daughter of Sir Thomas Burnett, 3rd Baronet.
  • Janet (1698–1774).

Images for kids

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  Lauder of Beilmouth Arms