Robert Leke, 3rd Earl of Scarsdale facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Lord Robert Leke, 3rd Earl of Scarsdale
Modern-day Sutton Scarsdale Hall
Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire
In office 1684–1687
Monarch	Charles II 1684-1685 James II 1685-1687
Preceded by	Earl of Devonshire
Succeeded by	Earl of Huntingdon
Member of Parliament for Newark
In office March 1679 – August 1679
Preceded by	Henry Savile Sir Richard Rothwell
Succeeded by	Sir Robert Markham
Personal details
Born	Robert Leke 9 March 1654 Sutton Scarsdale Hall
Died	27 December 1707(1707-12-27) (aged 53) London
Resting place	Westminster Abbey
Nationality	English
Spouse	Mary Lewis (1658-1684)
Children	Frances (died 1681)
Parents	Nicholas Leke, 2nd Earl Scarsdale (1612-1680) Lady Frances Rich (ca 1621-1692);
Residence	Duke Street, Westminster
Occupation	Courtier and politician

Robert Leke, 3rd Earl of Scarsdale (born March 9, 1654 – died December 27, 1707) was an English politician and a courtier, which means he was an attendant at a royal court. From 1655 to 1681, he was known as Lord Deincourt.

He was related by marriage to the Earl of Huntingdon. Huntingdon was a strong supporter of King James. Robert Leke, like most people, left his government jobs in 1687. This was to protest against the King's religious policies. He then supported the Glorious Revolution in 1688. This event changed who ruled England.

However, Robert Leke was arrested in 1692 during fears of an invasion. He also joined Huntingdon in voting against the Act of Settlement in 1701. This law said that Catholics could not become the British king or queen.

Robert Leke: A Life in 17th Century England

Early Life and Family

Robert Leke was the oldest son of Nicholas Leke, 2nd Earl of Scarsdale (1627-1680), and Frances Rich (1621-1692). His father was described as a "boorish, ignorant man." Robert had a sister named Mary and a younger brother named Richard, who died in 1687.

From 1668 to 1671, Robert traveled around Europe. He then came back home. On February 11, 1672, he married Mary Lewis (1658–1684). Mary was the daughter of Sir John Lewis, a rich landowner from Yorkshire. Her sister was also married to the Earl of Huntingdon.

Robert and Mary had one daughter named Frances, but she died in 1681. Mary passed away in 1684. After Robert's death in 1707, his nephew, Nicholas, became the next Earl. Nicholas was his brother's oldest son.

His Political Journey

In 1677, Robert Leke became the Captain of the Honourable Band of Gentlemen Pensioners. This was a special group of bodyguards for the King. It was also a social club for young noblemen. In 1682, he sold this position. In 1678, he became a captain in Lord Gerard's army group. This group was formed to fight in the Franco-Dutch War, but they never actually saw battle.

Becoming a Member of Parliament

In March 1679, Robert was elected as a Member of Parliament for Newark. He got help from his cousin, Sir Francis Leke. This election happened during a time called the Exclusion Crisis (1679–1681). This was a big debate about whether James, Duke of York, who was Catholic, should be allowed to become king.

People were also worried that the King wanted to rule without Parliament. This worry grew because Catholicism was linked to the idea of absolute rule, like in France under Louis XIV. When it looked like a law to stop James from becoming king might pass, King Charles II stopped Parliament from meeting in July.

By the time Parliament met again, Robert Leke had been made a Lord. He became Lord Deincourt and joined his father in the House of Lords. He did not vote on the Exclusion Bill. However, he supported the execution of the Viscount Stafford in November 1680. Stafford was found guilty of treason.

The Popish Plot and Changing Views

The anti-Catholic campaign, known as the Popish Plot, caused a lot of public trouble. Many people were executed as "conspirators," even though they were likely innocent. In 1681, Titus Oates, who made the accusations, claimed that the Queen had tried to poison King Charles. This was too much for many people. Most moderate politicians stopped supporting the idea of excluding James. Robert Leke also withdrew his support. He became Earl of Scarsdale in January 1681, after his father died.

Robert Leke was known as part of a group of courtiers who enjoyed a lively social life. This group included the Wharton brothers, Henry and Thomas.

Serving King James II

In 1684, Robert Leke was made Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire. This was a high-ranking official who represented the King in a county. When James became king in February 1685, Robert was made a colonel in a cavalry regiment. He also became Groom of the Stole to Prince George of Denmark. This was an important position in the royal household.

Many people supported King James because they remembered the Wars of the Three Kingdoms (1638-1651). They feared what would happen if they removed the rightful heir to the throne. This is why the Monmouth and Argyll rebellions quickly failed in June 1685.

However, the Church of England and the legal system were seen as very important for a stable society. King James's religious policies weakened the Church. His attempts to make people follow his policies also attacked the legal system.

Protesting the King's Policies

In late 1687, King James tried to make sure that Parliament would support his Declaration of Indulgence. This declaration aimed to give more religious freedom to Catholics and Dissenters. To do this, he asked Lord-Lieutenants to ask people three questions. Only those who agreed to support repealing the Test Act (a law that limited the rights of non-Anglicans) would be allowed to run for election.

Many officials, including Robert Leke, resigned rather than do this. Robert was replaced as Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire by Huntingdon. He was also removed from his other government jobs.

Robert Leke had Jacobite sympathies. This means he supported the exiled Stuart kings. He was one of only five Lords who formally protested against the passing of the Act of Settlement in 1701. This law confirmed that the Stuarts could not be king if they were Catholic.

Robert Leke died in 1707 without any children. His titles went to his nephew, Nicholas. Nicholas was a member of the Tory government. He spent a lot of money changing his family home, Sutton Scarsdale Hall.