William Sutherland, 17th Earl of Sutherland facts for kids

William Sutherland, 17th Earl of Sutherland, born William Gordon, (2 October 1708 – 1750) was an important Scottish leader and politician. He was the chief of the Clan Sutherland, a famous Scottish clan from the Scottish Highlands.

William served in the House of Commons, which is like a part of the British Parliament, from 1727 to 1733. After that, he became the Earl of Sutherland, a title of nobility, and continued to play a role in Scottish politics.

Early Life and Becoming a Leader

William Gordon was born in 1708. His father was William Gordon, Lord Strathnaver. When his father passed away in 1720, William became the head of his family. He then went on a "Grand Tour" in France and Hanover between 1726 and 1727, which was a common trip for young noblemen to learn about Europe.

Joining Parliament

In 1727, when William was just 18, his grandfather helped him become a Member of Parliament for the area of Sutherland. Even though there was a rule that sons of Scottish nobles shouldn't be in the House of Commons, William was allowed because he was a grandson. He easily won the election.

William supported the government on important votes, like one about soldiers from Hesse in 1730 and another about a tax bill in 1733.

Becoming the Earl

In 1733, William became the 17th Earl of Sutherland after his grandfather, John Gordon, 16th Earl of Sutherland, passed away. This meant he left his seat in the House of Commons. He was also given a special role as a "lord of police" in Scotland and received a pension. In 1734, he became one of the "representative peers," who were chosen to represent Scottish nobles in the British Parliament. In 1744, he was promoted to be the first lord of police.

Role in the Jacobite Rising of 1745

During the Jacobite rising of 1745, a major conflict in Scotland, the Earl of Sutherland strongly supported the British-Hanoverian Government. He even gathered two groups of soldiers to help the government.

Escaping Dunrobin Castle

At one point, the Jacobite rebels attacked his home, Dunrobin Castle. However, the Earl managed to escape through a secret back door and sailed away to join the army led by Prince William, Duke of Cumberland.

Fighting for the Government

Just before the famous Battle of Culloden, a group of soldiers from the Clan Sutherland, raised by the Earl, fought in the Battle of Littleferry. They helped the government forces defeat the Jacobites there. The Earl was also present at the Battle of Culloden, where the Jacobites were finally defeated for good.

Even though he helped the government, some people in power doubted his loyalty. The Earl had to work hard to convince the Parliament in London that he was truly against the Jacobites.

Other Loyalties During the Rising

During this time, Eric Sutherland, 4th Lord Duffus, another important figure, also stayed loyal to the Crown. He shared information about the rebels with the Earl of Sutherland. He was a captain in the Earl of Sutherland's regiment, and they had a very friendly relationship.

Later Years and Family

After the Jacobite rising, the Earl of Sutherland joined a political group led by Frederick, Prince of Wales. Because of this, he lost his police job in 1747. He tried to get money back for what he spent during the Jacobite rising.

He spent two years in London, while his mother managed his estates in Scotland. Then, he decided to travel abroad.

Passing Away

William Sutherland, 17th Earl of Sutherland, passed away in Montauban, France, on December 7, 1750. He was buried in the grave of his great-grandfather, the 15th Earl, at Holyrood Abbey in Edinburgh.

His Family

In 1734, the Earl married Elizabeth Wemyss, who was the daughter of David Wemyss, 3rd Earl of Wemyss. They had two children:

• William Sutherland, 18th Earl of Sutherland (1735 - 1766)
• Elizabeth Gordon (died 1803)

Images for kids

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  The grave of George, 15th Earl of Sutherland, Holyrood Abbey.