William Kerr, 6th Marquess of Lothian facts for kids
William Kerr, 6th Marquess of Lothian (born October 4, 1763 – died April 27, 1824), was an important person in British history. He was a soldier, a large landowner, and a politician. William Kerr was the son of the 5th Marquess of Lothian. He also served as a special representative for Scottish nobles in the British Parliament from 1817 to 1824.
Early Life and Education
William Kerr was born on October 4, 1763. His father was known as Lord Newbattle. When William was just five years old, he and his sister had their pictures drawn. These pictures were then made into special prints called mezzotints for people to buy.
He went to the University of Edinburgh to study. In 1786, he was chosen to be a member of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. This is a group of smart people who study science and other important subjects.
Public Service and Military Role
William Kerr held several important jobs. He was the Lord Lieutenant for two areas: Roxburghshire starting in 1812, and Midlothian from 1819. A Lord Lieutenant is like the King or Queen's personal representative in a county.
He also had a military role. He was the Colonel of the Edinburgh Militia. This was a local army group, and he led them from March 25, 1811, until he passed away.
In 1820, he was given a special honor and became a Knight of the Thistle. This is a very old and important award in Scotland. The next year, in 1821, he was also made a Baron of Kersheugh.
William Kerr lived in his family's large home called Monteviot House, which is located near a town called Jedburgh.
He died in Richmond, Surrey, on April 27, 1824.
Family Life
William Kerr was married twice and had many children.
His first marriage was to Lady Harriet Hobart on April 14, 1793. They had four children together:
- John Kerr, 7th Marquess of Lothian (1794–1841)
- Lord Schomberg Robert (1795–1825), who was a soldier.
- Lady Isabella Emily Caroline (1797–1858).
- Lord Henry Francis Charles (1800–1882), who became a religious minister.
After his first wife passed away in 1805, William Kerr married Lady Harriet Scott on December 1, 1806. They had eight more children:
- Lady Elizabeth Georgiana Kerr (1807–1871)
- Lady Harriet Louise Anne (1808–1884)
- Lady Frances (1810–1863)
- Lady Anne Katherine (1812–1829)
- Lord Charles Lennox (1814–1898), who was a soldier.
- Lord Mark Ralph George (1817–1900), who was also a soldier.
- Lord Frederick Herbert (1818–1896), who became an admiral in the navy.
- Lady Georgiana Augusta (1821–1859)
