William Kerr, 1st Earl of Lothian facts for kids
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William Kerr (1605–1675) was an important Scottish nobleman. He became the first Earl of Lothian in a new creation, a special title given by the king. He lived during a very exciting and sometimes difficult time in Scottish history, playing a big part in the politics and wars of his era.
Contents
William Kerr's Early Life
William Kerr was born in London, England, at St James's Palace. His father was Sir Robert Kerr, who later became the first Earl of Ancram. William received a good education, studying at Cambridge University in England and also in Paris, France.
When he was younger, William had some adventures. He traveled with a famous English leader, George Villiers, the Duke of Buckingham, to the Isle of Rhé in 1627. He also took part in a military trip against Spain in 1631.
Family and Titles
In 1630, William Kerr married Lady Anne Kerr. The very next year, in 1631, he was given his own noble titles: Lord Kerr of Newbattle and Earl of Lothian. This meant he became a powerful figure in Scotland.
William and Anne had many children:
- Lady Mary Kerr (died 1708)
- Lady Margaret Kerr
- Lady Anne Kerr (1631-1658)
- Lady Elizabeth Kerr (born 1633), who married Sir Francis Scott
- Robert Kerr, 1st Marquess of Lothian (1636-1703)
- Sir William Kerr (born 1638)
- Charles Kerr (born 1642)
- Lady Vere Kerr (1649-1674)
- Lady Henrietta Kerr (1653-1741)
A Leader in Scotland
William Kerr was very involved in the politics and conflicts of his time.
Taking a Stand
In 1638, he signed the National Covenant. This was an important agreement where many Scots promised to defend their Presbyterian church and their country's freedom against changes ordered by the king.
In 1640, William marched with the Scottish army into England. He was there when the Scottish forces won a big victory against the English at the Battle of Newburn. After this, he became the Governor of Newcastle, an important city in England.
Important Roles
William Kerr held many important jobs:
- In 1642, he became one of the four commissioners of the treasury. This meant he helped manage Scotland's money.
- He was also a lieutenant-general in the Scottish Army that fought in Ireland during the Irish Confederate Wars.
- In the same year, he became a privy councillor, which meant he was a trusted advisor to the king.
In Parliament
William joined the Scottish Parliament in 1644. He worked with another important leader, Lord Argyll, to oppose Lord Montrose during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. These wars were a series of conflicts across Scotland, England, and Ireland.
In 1647, he was one of the people sent to talk with King Charles I at Holmby House.
Later Years
In 1649, William Kerr was made Secretary of State for Scotland. This was a very high position. He was also one of the people sent by the Scottish Parliament to talk to Charles II when he was living in exile in Breda. They wanted to prevent extreme actions against the king.
In 1650, he became a general of the Scottish forces. Later, in 1662, he refused to take the Abjuration Oath, which was an oath of loyalty to the king that went against his beliefs.
