Correspondence relating to the Estates of William John Kerr, 5th Marquess of Lothian (1737-1815)

The correspondence is composed of letters to F. Brodie, factor to the Marquess of Lothian. The letters touch on the management of the Marquess's estates, 1808-1810.

William John Kerr was born on 13 March 1737. He was the only son of William Henry Kerr, 4th Marquess of Lothian (1710-1775). Kerr was a general in the army and a colonel, 11th Dragoons. William John Kerr, 5th Marquess of Lothian, K.T. died in 1815. He was succeeded by his eldest son, William Kerr, 6th Marquess of Lothian (1763-1824).

Generally open for consultation to bona fide researchers, but please contact repository for details in advance.

The biographical/administrative history was compiled using the following material: (1) Burke, Sir Bernard. and Burke Ashworth P. A genealogical and heraldic history of the peerage and baronetage, the Privy Council, and knightage. 87th edition. London: Burke's Peerage Ltd., 1929.

Compiled by Graeme D Eddie, Edinburgh University Library, Special Collections Division.

Important finding aids generally are: the alphabetical Index to Manuscripts held at Edinburgh University Library, Special Collections and Archives, consisting of typed slips in sheaf binders and to which additions were made until 1987; and the Index to Accessions Since 1987.

Check the local Indexes for details of any additions.

The local Indexes show another reference to Kerr related material (check the Indexes for more details): mention of the Marquess's action at court against Mr. Hunter, Minister of Oxnam in a letter of J. A. Potts, 1802, at Dk.6.19/2. The Indexes also show material of William Kerr, 3rd Earl of Lothian, being: a letter to John Maitland, Duke of Lauderdale, 1663, at La.II.553; and, a letter from the Marquess of Argyll, at Dc.6.111, ff.36-37. There is also material related to William Kerr, 6th Marquess of Lothian, namely: letter of the Marquess (as Lord Ancram) to Sir Patrick Walker, 1813, at Gen. 1995/49; diary by Dugald Stewart of journeys with the marquess, 1797-1803; and, a nuptial song in honour of the Marquess, 1806, at Gen. 1801/4/6.

In addition, the UK National Register of Archives (NRA), updated by the Historical Manuscripts Commission, notes: correspondence and papers, National Archives of Scotland, Ref. GD40 NRA 10737 Kerr; and, miscellaneous vouchers (10), 1779-1800, Birmingham University Information Services, Special Collections Department, Ref. MS BUL6/iv/12 NRA 32504 BUL misc.