Robert St Clair-Erskine, 4th Earl of Rosslyn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Rosslyn
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"The Kirk of Scotland". The Earl of Rosslyn as caricatured by Théobald Chartran in Vanity Fair, November 1881.
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| Captain of the Gentlemen-at-Arms | |
| In office 24 November 1886 – 11 August 1890 |
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| Monarch | Victoria |
| Prime Minister | The Marquess of Salisbury |
| Preceded by | The Viscount Barrington |
| Succeeded by | The Earl of Yarborough |
| Member of the House of Lords Lord Temporal |
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| In office 16 June 1866 – 6 September 1890 Hereditary Peerage |
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| Preceded by | The 3rd Earl of Rosslyn |
| Succeeded by | The 5th Earl of Rosslyn |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 2 March 1833 |
| Died | 6 September 1890 (aged 57) |
| Nationality | British |
| Political party | Conservative |
| Spouse | Blanche Adeliza FitzRoy (1839–1933) |
| Children | |
| Parents | James St Clair-Erskine, 3rd Earl of Rosslyn Frances Wemyss |
Robert Francis St Clair-Erskine, the 4th Earl of Rosslyn, was an important British politician. He was born on March 2, 1833, and passed away on September 6, 1890. From 1851 to 1866, he was known as Lord Loughborough. He was a member of the Conservative Party. He held a special job called Captain of the Gentlemen-at-Arms from 1886 to 1890. This role was under Lord Salisbury, who was the Prime Minister at the time.
Early Life and Political Role
Robert Francis St Clair-Erskine became the 4th Earl of Rosslyn in 1866. He took over this title after his father, James St Clair-Erskine, 3rd Earl of Rosslyn, passed away. His mother was Frances (née Wemyss).
He worked for Lord Salisbury as the Captain of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms. This was from 1886 until just before he died in September 1890. He also enjoyed writing poetry. He published collections like "Sonnets" in 1883 and "A Jubilee Lyric" in 1887. The "Jubilee Lyric" was dedicated to Queen Victoria. He also released "Sonnets and Poems" in 1889.
Involvement in Freemasonry
Robert was also active in Freemasonry, which is a fraternal organization. He joined Lodge Oswald of Dunnikier on April 8, 1867. He became a Grand Master Mason of the Grand Lodge of Scotland from 1870 to 1873. This is a very high position in the organization. He also became a Depute Master of Lodge Canongate Kilwinning, No. 2, in 1853. Lord Rosslyn was the Grand Master of the modern Masonic Great Priory of Scotland from 1884 until his death.
Family Life
Lord Rosslyn married Blanche Adeliza on November 8, 1866. Blanche was the great-granddaughter of Augustus FitzRoy, 3rd Duke of Grafton. She was also the widow of Colonel the Honourable Charles Henry Maynard. Robert and Blanche had five children together:
- Lady Millicent Fanny St Clair-Erskine (1867–1955): She married the 4th Duke of Sutherland.
- James Francis Harry St Clair-Erskine, 5th Earl of Rosslyn (1869–1939): He married three times during his life.
- Hon. Alexander FitzRoy St Clair-Erskine (1870–1914): He married Winifrede Baker in 1905.
- Lady Sybil Mary St Clair-Erskine (1871–1910): She married Anthony Fane, 13th Earl of Westmorland.
- Lady Angela Selina Bianca St Clair-Erskine (1876–1950): She married Lieutenant-Colonel James Stewart Forbes.
Lord Rosslyn passed away in Dysart, Fife on September 6, 1890, when he was 57 years old. He was buried near Rosslyn Chapel on September 11. This chapel is known for its strong connections to Freemasonry. His wife Blanche was later buried next to him.
The Countess of Rosslyn lived for over 40 years after her husband died. She passed away in December 1933 in London. She was known as one of the last great hostesses of the Victorian era. She knew many famous people from that time, including Benjamin Disraeli and William Gladstone.
