William Kerr, 3rd Marquess of Lothian facts for kids

William Kerr, 3rd Marquess of Lothian, was an important Scottish nobleman. He lived from about 1690 to 1767. For many years, people knew him as the Master of Jedburgh. Later, he was called Lord Jedburgh. He played a big role in Scottish politics during his time.

Early Life: William's Beginnings

William Kerr was the son of William Kerr, who was the 2nd Marquess of Lothian. His mother was Lady Jean Campbell. He grew up in a noble family in Scotland.

William's Career: A Life in Politics

Even though his title "Lord Jedburgh" was mostly a polite way to address him, William Kerr used it to vote in 1712. This vote was for Scottish noblemen who would represent Scotland in the British Parliament.

In 1722, William became the 3rd Marquess of Lothian. This was a very important title. In 1731, he was chosen to be a "representative peer." This meant he got to sit in the House of Lords in London. The House of Lords is part of the British Parliament, where laws are made. He stayed there until 1761.

From 1732 to 1738, William had another important job. He was the Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. This role connected the King or Queen to the main meeting of the Church of Scotland.

In 1734, he was honored as a Knight of the Thistle. This is a special award given in Scotland. From 1739 until 1756, he worked as the Lord Clerk Register. This job involved keeping important public records for Scotland.

Family Life: William's Marriages and Children

On December 7, 1711, William Kerr married Margaret Nicolson. She was the daughter of Sir Thomas Nicolson. William and Margaret had three children together:

• William Henry Kerr, 4th Marquess of Lothian (1710–1775)
• Lord Robert Kerr (died 1746), who sadly died in a battle called the Battle of Culloden.
• Lady Jane Kerr, who passed away when she was young.

Margaret, William's first wife, died in 1759. She was buried at Newbattle Abbey. A year later, in 1760, William married his cousin, Jean Janet Kerr. They did not have any children together.

William's Later Years and Death

William Kerr passed away in 1767 at his home in Edinburgh, Scotland. He was buried at Newbattle Abbey, just like his first wife. His second wife, Jean Janet Kerr, lived for twenty more years and died in 1787.