William Calderwood, Lord Polton facts for kids
Sir William Calderwood, known as Lord Polton, was an important Scottish judge who lived from about 1660 to 1733. He held high positions in the Scottish legal system during his lifetime.
Who Was Sir William Calderwood?
William Calderwood was the son of Alexander Calderwood, who was a "baillie" (a type of local official or magistrate) in the town of Dalkeith. William became a lawyer in Scotland in July 1687. This meant he could argue cases in court.
His Career as a Judge
After a big event in history called the Glorious Revolution (which changed who was king and queen in Britain), William Calderwood was given more important jobs. He became a "deputy-sheriff" for the county of Edinburgh. This role involved helping to keep law and order in the area.
Later, before 1707, he was given the special title of "Sir," which meant he had been knighted. In 1711, he became an "ordinary lord" in Scotland's main court, known as the College of Justice. This was a very important position, and he was given the title Lord Polton. At the same time, he was also made a "lord of justiciary," which meant he was a judge in criminal cases.
Later Life and Legacy
Sir William Calderwood passed away on August 7, 1733, when he was about 73 years old. He was buried in the Old Kirkyard (old churchyard) in Lasswade, near a place called the Dundas Vault.
For a few years, starting in 1723, a minister named Robert Stark worked as a chaplain for Sir William Calderwood's family.
