Sir Thomas Burnett, 3rd Baronet facts for kids

Sir Thomas Burnett of Leys, 3rd Baronet (around 1658 – January 1714) was an important Scottish politician. He held titles like Lord Clerk Register and was a member of the Privy Council of Scotland. He also served as a Member of Parliament. Sir Thomas became the Baronet after his father, Sir Alexander Burnett, 2nd Baronet, passed away in 1663. He was the grandson of Sir Thomas Burnett, 1st Baronet, who rebuilt Muchalls Castle. He was also the great-grandson of Alexander Burnett of Leys (died 1619), who finished building Crathes Castle.

A Life in Politics

Sir Thomas Burnett was a representative for Kincardineshire in the Scottish Parliament from 1689 to 1707. This meant he helped make laws for Scotland.

Supporting the King

In 1689, Sir Thomas supported the new King, William II. He signed a document that said the meeting called by the Prince of Orange (who became King William) was legal. He also sent a letter congratulating King William II. When there were plots against the King, Sir Thomas signed a pledge to protect him.

Working in Parliament

In 1690, Sir Thomas was chosen for a special committee. This committee worked on church matters and taxes. He was also picked to be one of the four Lord Clerk Registers. This was a very important job. It meant he was in charge of keeping official records and helping with legal matters.

Debates and Decisions

Sir Thomas didn't always agree with everyone. He didn't think the army should be made bigger. He also spoke out during discussions about a Scottish colony called New Caledonia in Darién Province. When Parliament was deciding whether to ask the King for help or pass a new law about the colony, Sir Thomas disagreed with the final decision.

In 1701, Sir Thomas was considered for a higher noble title, but it didn't happen. In 1703, he spoke out against allowing French wines into Scotland. He said it was "dishonourable" because Scotland was allied against France at the time.

The Union of Scotland and England

Sir Thomas supported the idea of Scotland joining with England. This big change created the country of Great Britain. His votes showed he was in favor of this union.

Later Appointments

On February 13, 1707, Sir Thomas was chosen to be a Member of the Parliament of Great Britain in Westminster. However, he never actually took his seat. Later that year, he became a member of the Privy Council of Scotland. He was also appointed to the Scottish Court of Exchequer, which handled money matters for the government.

Family Life

Sir Thomas Burnett married Margaret Arbuthnot in 1677. She was the daughter of Robert Arbuthnot, 2nd Viscount Arbuthnot. They had many children, possibly sixteen or even more!

His Children

Sir Thomas was followed as Baronet by his son, Sir Alexander Burnett, 4th Baronet. Here are some of his other children:

• William of Criggie (1683–1747)
• Robert, who became an honorary citizen of Aberdeen in 1689.
• Thomas (born 1686), also an honorary citizen of Aberdeen in 1689.
• John (born 1688), another honorary citizen of Aberdeen in 1689.
• Charles (born 1691), who became a lawyer.
• Katherine (died 1749), who married Sir William Seton, 2nd Baronet in 1702.
• Mary (died June 5, 1754), who married Sir John Carnegie, 2nd Baronet in 1712.
• Elizabeth (born 1692), who married George Beattie in 1715.
• Margaret (born 1696), who married James Ogilvie in 1721.
• Jean (born 1698), who married George Lauder in 1722.
• Helen (born 1698), who married Allardice of that Ilk.