Robert Kerr, 2nd Earl of Lothian

Robert Kerr, 2nd Earl of Lothian (died 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.

He was the eldest son of Mark Kerr.

Suicide and succession

Robert Kerr dismissed his servants from him on Saturday 6 March 1624 and went alone to a chamber in Newbattle Abbey 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.

He had married Annabella, the daughter of Archbald Earl of Argyle. As he had no male heirs, he had already obtained a charter for his lands and titles so that his daughter, Anne Kerr could succeed him. Anne became Countess of Lothian 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 son, Sir William Kerr, married, and Sir William was duly made Earl of Lothian on 26 July 1631.^[1] 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.

References

1. Laing, David, ed., Correspondence of Sir Robert Kerr, first Earl of Ancram, vol. 1, Roxburghe Club (1857), xlvii-li.