William Sinclair, 10th Earl of Caithness facts for kids

William Sinclair, 10th Earl of Caithness (died 1779), was a Scottish nobleman. He held the important title of Earl of Caithness and was the chief of the Clan Sinclair. This was a Highland Scottish clan that lived in the area of Caithness.

Becoming the Earl of Caithness

In 1761, the 9th Earl of Caithness, Alexander Sinclair, 9th Earl of Caithness, made a special plan for his lands. This plan, called an entail, said that if he didn't have any direct family members to inherit, his property would go to the Sinclairs of Stevenson. This family was not closely related to his own family, the Sinclairs of Murkle.

When Alexander Sinclair died, his direct family line ended. This meant that the title of Earl of Caithness needed a new owner. The title then went to William Sinclair of Rattar. He was a direct descendant of Sir John Sinclair of Greenland and Rattar. Sir John was the third son of John Sinclair, Master of Caithness (who died in 1576). The Master of Caithness was the son of George Sinclair, 4th Earl of Caithness.

There was another family line that could have claimed the title. Sir James Sinclair of Murkle had a son named David Sinclair of Broynach. David's male descendants would normally have been next in line. However, David's grandson, James, tried to claim the title but could not prove that his own father, David, was born legally.

Because of this, William Sinclair of Rattar was officially recognized as the male heir. In May 1772, a special group called the Committee of Privileges agreed that he was the rightful Earl. So, William Sinclair became the 10th Earl of Caithness.

Family Life

William Sinclair, the 10th Earl of Caithness, married a woman named Barbara. She was the daughter of John Sinclair of Scotscalder.

William Sinclair died in 1779. He had five sons and three daughters:

• John Sinclair, 11th Earl of Caithness, who became the next Earl.
• William Sinclair, who was an officer. He died in America and was not married.
• James Sinclair.
• Alexander Sinclair.
• David Sinclair.
• Lady Isabella Sinclair, who was not married when she died.
• Lady Janet Sinclair, who married James Traill of Rattar.