Sir Gilbert Elliot, 1st Baronet, of Minto facts for kids
Sir Gilbert Elliot, 1st Baronet, of Minto (born around 1650 – died May 1, 1718) was an important Scottish figure. He was a writer, a lawyer, a politician, and a judge. He came from a place called Minto in the Scottish Borders.
He was the younger son of Gavin Elliot and Margaret Hay. Gilbert studied at the University of Edinburgh.
Contents
Early Life and Legal Career
Gilbert Elliot started his career as a writer. Soon, he began helping people with legal problems. He helped William Veitch in 1679, who was in trouble for opposing King Charles II.
Later, in 1681, he also helped the Earl of Argyll. Because of this, Gilbert Elliot had to leave Scotland in 1685 and live in Europe. While he was away, he was declared an outlaw and lost all his property.
However, King James VII later gave him a special pardon. Gilbert returned to Scotland in 1687. In 1688, he joined the Faculty of Advocates, which is a group of top lawyers in Scotland.
Rise in Politics and Law
After a big change in government called the Glorious Revolution, Gilbert Elliot got his property back in 1690. He then became a clerk for the Privy Council of Scotland. This council was a group of important people who advised the King or Queen.
In 1692, he was made a knight. Then, in 1700, he received another special honor and became a baronet, of Minto.
A Judge and Member of Parliament
From 1703, Gilbert Elliot was a member of the Parliament of Scotland. He represented the area of Roxburghshire.
In 1703, he also became a judge in the Court of Session. This was Scotland's highest court. As a judge, he was known by the title Lord Minto.
He continued to serve in the Scottish Parliament until 1707. In that year, the Parliament of Scotland and the Parliament of England joined together. This created the Parliament of Great Britain. Gilbert Elliot was against this union.
Later Life
Sir Gilbert Elliot passed away on May 1, 1718, when he was about 67 years old. His son, also named Gilbert, took over his title as baronet.
