Thomas Kerr of Ferniehirst facts for kids
Thomas Kerr of Ferniehirst (died 1585) was an important Scottish landowner. He was a Roman Catholic and a strong supporter of Mary, Queen of Scots. He and his wife, Jean Scott, helped end a long-standing family disagreement between the Kerr and Scott families. Both Thomas and Jean were actively involved in supporting Queen Mary.
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Life of Thomas Kerr
Thomas was the son of Sir John Kerr and Katherine Kerr. His sister Margaret married Lord Hay of Yester. She was the mother of William Hay, 6th Lord Hay of Yester.
His main homes were Oxnam and Ferniehirst Castle.
Ending a Family Feud
In 1565, an agreement was made to end a long-standing family feud between the Kerr and Scott families. It was decided that several marriages between family members would help stop the fighting. Everyone agreed to this plan, except for Thomas Kerr at first. Even though the families planned these marriages, none of them happened right away. However, this agreement later became important for Thomas's second marriage.
In 1569, Thomas married Jean Scott. She became known as Lady Ferniehirst. This marriage helped to bridge the feud between their families. A dowry was agreed upon for the marriage. Even though some money was still owed years later, their arranged marriage was a happy one.
Supporting Mary, Queen of Scots
In July 1575, Thomas wrote a letter from Paris to Mary, Queen of Scots. He described how English forces had destroyed his homes with fire and gunpowder. This happened during the Marian Civil War, a time of conflict in Scotland. He said the damage cost him at least 20,000 crowns. He also told her about the injuries his family and followers suffered while fighting for her cause in Scotland. He lost his valuable jewels and important land documents. These items were in a chest in Edinburgh Castle. The Scottish leader, Regent Morton, took them. Also, the Earl of Angus cut down his forests.
Ferniehirst was later allowed to return to Scotland. It is said he watched the execution of Regent Morton. In June 1581, James Stewart, Earl of Arran tried to stop Ferniehirst from getting his lands and good name back. Ferniehirst was thought to have helped in the killing of the king's grandfather, Regent Lennox. However, Esmé Stewart, 1st Duke of Lennox supported his return to favor. Ferniehirst knelt before the king for forgiveness in the garden at Dalkeith Palace.
Jean Scott's Role
Thomas's second wife, Janet/Jean Scott, was also involved in politics. In October 1583, she wrote to Mary Queen of Scots from Ferniehirst. She shared news from the Scottish court. She mentioned that the Countess of Arran had asked her to tell Mary not to join with the Hamilton family against the Countess's husband, James Stewart, Earl of Arran. Jean wanted Mary's advice on this matter. She also mentioned she had forgotten to send a letter from Lord Seton. Mary was a godparent to one of Jean's sons.
Border Warden
Kerr was made a warden of the Middle March of the Scottish border. This meant he was in charge of keeping peace and order in that area. He was also made the keeper of Liddesdale. In November 1584, the Privy Council gave him 100 troops. They also allowed him to use Hermitage Castle.
Marriage and Children
Thomas Kerr of Ferniehirst was married twice.
First Marriage
He first married Janet Kirkcaldy. She was the daughter of William Kirkcaldy of Grange and Margaret Learmonth. The children of Sir Thomas Kerr and Janet Kirkcaldy included:
- Andrew Kerr of Ferniehirst, who was also called Lord Jedburgh. At the wedding of "young laird Farnieherst," Andrew Kerr, to Anne Stewart in January 1585, the king's bed caught fire. Anne Stewart was the daughter of Andrew Master of Ochiltree and Margaret Stewart.
- Mary Kerr
- Julian Kerr, who married two times. Her first husband was Patrick Hume of Polwarth. Her second husband was Thomas Hamilton, 1st Earl of Haddington.
- Margaret Kerr
Second Marriage
He married secondly, Janet Scott. She was the sister of Walter Scott, 4th Baron of Buccleuch. The children of Sir Thomas Kerr and Janet Scott included:
- James Kerr
- Thomas Kerr
- Anne Kerr, who married John Elphinstone, 2nd Lord Balmerino
- Robert Carr, 1st Earl of Somerset. He married Frances Carr, Countess of Somerset. Their daughter was Anne Russell, Countess of Bedford.
