William Bannatyne, Lord Bannatyne facts for kids
Sir William Macleod Bannatyne, Lord Bannatyne (born January 26, 1743 – died November 30, 1833) was a very important person in Scotland. He worked as a lawyer, a judge, and was also a historian who studied the past. He was known for collecting old items and facts, making him an antiquarian.
Early Life and Career
William was the son of Roderick Macleod, a type of lawyer called a "writer to the signet," and Isabel Bannantyne. He went to the High School of Edinburgh from 1755 to 1756. This was a good school for him.
He became a lawyer on January 22, 1765. At this time, he lived in Edinburgh, very close to the law courts. This made it easy for him to work.
In 1776, he was chosen to be the Sheriff of Bute. A sheriff is like a chief legal officer for a specific area. Later, in 1799, he became a judge. He was then known as Lord Bannatyne.
Friends and Contributions
Lord Bannatyne had many close friends. These included famous people like Henry Mackenzie and Hugh Blair. He also wrote for popular magazines of his time, such as Mirror and Lounger.
In 1784, he helped start the Highland Society. This group worked to support and celebrate Scottish Highland culture.
Kames Estate and Retirement
William took the last name Bannatyne because he inherited the Kames estate. This estate was on the Isle of Bute, and it came to him through his mother's family. He made Kames Castle bigger by adding a beautiful new house.
In 1812, he sold the Kames estate and moved back to Edinburgh. He stopped working in 1823. When he retired, he was given the special title of "Sir." He also joined the Bannatyne Club that same year. This club was for people who loved history and old books.
Lord Bannatyne passed away in 1833 at his home, Whitefoord House. This house was on the Canongate part of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. He was buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard, a famous graveyard in the city center.
He had a large collection of books about history and family trees. When his books were sold in 1834, a special set of books from the Bannatyne Club was bought for a lot of money.
See also
- Bannatyne manuscript (Clan MacLeod), a historical document linked to William Bannatyne
