William Crichton, 1st Earl of Dumfries facts for kids

William Crichton, 1st Earl of Dumfries was an important Scottish noble. He was the ninth person to hold the title of Lord Crichton. William was the son of William Crichton and Katherine Carmichael. He became a very powerful figure in Scotland during the 1600s.

How William Became a Lord

William Crichton became Lord Crichton after his cousin, Robert, lost his title. Robert had been involved in a serious legal problem. After this, William had to prove his right to the title and lands.

A Royal Decision

Robert's son, who was not born within marriage, also claimed the title. However, King James VI made a special decision. This decision, called a decree arbitral, said that William was the rightful Lord. The King also gave Robert's son some land near Perth as a fair compromise.

Gifts from the King

William Crichton had a good relationship with the King. This helped him gain more power and land.

King James's Visit

On July 31, 1617, King James VI visited Sanquhar Castle. This was William Crichton's home. During the visit, William showed his loyalty to the King. He reportedly burned a document that showed the King owed him a lot of money. This was a big gesture of friendship.

New Titles and Lands

Because of his loyalty, King James gave William a new title in 1622. He became the Viscount of Ayr. Eleven years later, King Charles I of England, James's son, gave William an even higher title. He became the Earl of Dumfries and Baron Crichton of Cumnock. In 1635, William also received Lefnoreis Castle and the lands around it. Later, one of his family members would build Dumfries House on this land.

Moving the Family Home

By the time William Crichton passed away in 1642 or 1643, his family faced some money problems. Because of this, William and his sons sold Sanquhar Castle. They also sold the lands around it to William Douglas, 1st Earl of Queensberry. The family then moved their main home to Cumnock.

William's Family

William Crichton was married twice and had several children.

First Marriage

William first married a woman named Euphemia Seton. She was the daughter of Sir James Seton. Euphemia had been married before to Patrick Hamilton. William and Euphemia had five children together:

• William, who became the second Earl of Dumfries after his father.
• James, who worked as a Sheriff of Dumfries for a period. A sheriff was an important local official.
• John, who became a colonel. He fought in a big war called the Thirty Years' War.
• Mary, who married Edward Barnham Swift, who was a Viscount Carlingford.
• Catherine, who married Sir John Charteris of Amsfield. He was a Commissioner of the Scottish Parliament, which meant he helped make laws.

Second Marriage

After Euphemia passed away, William married Ursula Barnham. She was the daughter of Stephen Barnham. Ursula had also been married before to Sir Robert Swift. William and Ursula did not have any children together.