William Cochrane, 1st Earl of Dundonald facts for kids
William Cochrane (born 1605, died November 1685) was an important Scottish nobleman. He was known as the 1st Earl of Dundonald. During a time of big conflicts in Britain called the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, he supported the King.
Early Life of William Cochrane
William Cochrane was born in 1605. He was the oldest son of Alexander Cochrane and Elizabeth Cochrane. His family was well-known in Scotland.
Becoming a Leader
William Cochrane was a very active person in Scottish life. King Charles I made him a knight. In 1638, he bought a large area of land called the Dundonald estate.
Because of his support for the King during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, he was given the title Baron Cochrane of Dundonald in 1647.
After the wars, some people were not happy with his actions. In 1649, a group called the Presbytery of Ayr stopped him from joining a special agreement. They said he had been a leader in a "rebellion" and had tried to bring soldiers from Ireland.
In 1654, he faced a large fine of £5,000. This was part of a special act by Oliver Cromwell, who was a powerful leader at the time.
Earl of Dundonald
Later, in 1669, William Cochrane became even more important. He was made a special helper for the Treasury and Exchequer, which managed the country's money. At this time, he was given two new titles: Baron Cochrane, of Paisley and Ochiltree and Earl of Dundonald. This meant he was a very high-ranking nobleman. The title of Earl would pass down to his children.
William Cochrane was also a member of a group called the freemasons.
In 1684, when he was quite old, he was accused of something serious. People said that his chaplain (a religious helper) had prayed for rebels who had fought against the King's forces in 1679. These rebels were called Covenanters.
William Cochrane, the 1st Earl of Dundonald, passed away in November 1685. He was buried in the church at Dundonald.
Family Life
William Cochrane married Eupheme Scott sometime after April 1633. She was the daughter of Sir William Scott.
Together, William and Eupheme had several children:
- William Cochrane, Lord Cochrane (died 1679): He married Lady Katherine Kennedy in 1653.
- Hon. Sir John Cochrane of Ochiltree: He married Catherine Strickland in 1656.
- Hon. James Cochrane (died around 1694)
- Lady Grizel Cochrane: She married George Ross, 11th Lord Ross.
Lady Dundonald passed away in 1687. The Earls of Dundonald who came after William were mostly descendants of his first son, William. However, the 8th Earl was a descendant of his second son, John.
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