Robert Kerr, 2nd Earl of Lothian
Encyclopedia
Robert Kerr, 2nd Earl of Lothian (d. 1624). A eulogic poem by William Douglas of Tofts mentioned that the Earl had travelled through most parts of Europe and was a student of astrology and mathematics
saying he was writing his letters and accounts. After barring the door, he stabbed himself several times and cut his throat. At the time it was rumoured that he was beset by debt or that he had been consulting with magicians and witches.
As he had no male heirs, he had already obtained a charter for his lands and titles so that his daughter, Anne Kerr, Countess of Lothian could succeed him. Anne became Countess in her own right. However, Sir Robert Kerr of Ancram
was apparently given control of the Earl's possessions by James VI of Scotland in 1625. Subsequently, the Countess, Anne, and Sir Robert's brother, Sir William Kerr
, married, and Sir William was duly made Earl of Lothian on 26 July 1631. William Kerr is often called the 3rd Earl of Lothian, or the 1st Earl, regarding the re-grant of the title as a new creation.
Suicide and succession
Robert Kerr dismissed his servants from him on Saturday 6 March 1624 and went alone to a chamber in Newbattle AbbeyNewbattle Abbey
Newbattle Abbey was a Cistercian monastery near the village of Newbattle in Midlothian, Scotland, which has subsequently become a stately home and then an educational institution.-Monastery:...
saying he was writing his letters and accounts. After barring the door, he stabbed himself several times and cut his throat. At the time it was rumoured that he was beset by debt or that he had been consulting with magicians and witches.
As he had no male heirs, he had already obtained a charter for his lands and titles so that his daughter, Anne Kerr, Countess of Lothian could succeed him. Anne became Countess in her own right. However, Sir Robert Kerr of Ancram
Robert Carr, 1st Earl of Ancram
Robert Kerr , 1st Earl of Ancram , was a Scottish nobleman and writer.-Biography:He descended from a third son of Sir Andrew Kerr of Ferniehurst, and entered public life as laird of Ancrum in Roxburghshire...
was apparently given control of the Earl's possessions by James VI of Scotland in 1625. Subsequently, the Countess, Anne, and Sir Robert's brother, Sir William Kerr
William Kerr, 1st Earl of Lothian
William Kerr, 1st Earl of Lothian was a Scottish nobleman.The eldest son of Sir Robert Kerr, later 1st Earl of Ancram, he was born within St James's Palace in London and was educated at Cambridge University and at Paris...
, married, and Sir William was duly made Earl of Lothian on 26 July 1631. William Kerr is often called the 3rd Earl of Lothian, or the 1st Earl, regarding the re-grant of the title as a new creation.