William Kerr, 2nd Marquess of Lothian facts for kids

William Kerr, 2nd Marquess of Lothian (born 1661 – died 28 February 1722) was a Scottish nobleman. He held several military and political jobs. He was known as Lord Newbattle until 1692. Then he became Lord Jedburgh. When his father passed away in 1703, he became the Marquess of Lothian.

Early Life and Family

William's father, Robert Kerr

William Kerr was born in 1661. He was the oldest son of Robert Kerr, 1st Marquess of Lothian (1636–1703). His mother was Jean Campbell (died 1700). Her father was Archibald Campbell, 1st Marquess of Argyll.

William's family was connected to the Argyll family. They supported the Whig political group. They also supported the Glorious Revolution of 1688. This event changed who ruled Britain.

In June 1685, William married his cousin, Lady Jean Campbell (1661–1712). She was the daughter of the 9th Earl of Argyll. They had one son, William (1690–1767). They also had four daughters: Anne, Jean, Elizabeth, and Mary.

William's Military and Political Career

As 'Lord Newbattle,' William helped manage local government in 1685 and 1686. His family's ties to Argyll made them unpopular with King James II.

Early Military Roles

When William and Mary became rulers, William Kerr became a Captain. He led a group of soldiers on horseback. These soldiers were formed in 1689 to stop a rebellion. In 1691, these groups became two regiments. One was Cunningham's Regiment. The other was Lord Jedburgh's Dragoons. William got the title of Lord Jedburgh in 1692. He then served in the Parliament of Scotland until 1707.

Until 1694, these soldiers helped keep peace in Scotland. They were paid by the Scottish Parliament. William became the Colonel of the 7th Dragoons in 1696. This was near the end of the Nine Years War. His Scottish regiment was later disbanded in 1697.

Military Promotions and Political Influence

In the past, military ranks could be bought or sold. This meant some Colonels did not actively serve. William Kerr seems to have been one of these. He has no record of fighting in battles. However, his brothers, Lord Mark Kerr and Lord John Kerr, were active commanders.

William was promoted to Brigadier in 1702. This was when the War of the Spanish Succession began. His father became the Marquess of Lothian. He also helped plan the union with England. After his father died in 1703, William became the Marquess. He was made a Major General in 1704.

William worked closely with his nephew, the Duke of Argyll. They helped with the Acts of Union. These laws joined Scotland and England in 1707. For his efforts, William became a Knight of the Thistle in 1705.

Later Years and Retirement

In 1705, William wanted to become the Commander-in-Chief in Scotland. He also wanted to lead the Scots Regiment of Foot Guards. He did not get the Commander-in-Chief job. But he became Colonel of the Scots Guards in April 1707.

William supported the Union of Scotland and England. He was made a Lieutenant General in 1708. He was also chosen as one of 16 Scottish representatives in the House of Lords. However, he lost his seat in 1709. He also lost his military jobs in 1713.

When George I became king in 1715, William returned to the House of Lords. But he was not very active in politics after that. He passed away in 1722. He was buried in Westminster Abbey.

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  Lothian was a close political ally of his nephew, the Duke of Argyll.