Robert Ker, 3rd Earl of Roxburghe


Robert Ker, 3rd Earl of Roxburghe PC was a Scottish nobleman.

Early life

He was the eldest son of four boys born to William Ker, 2nd Earl of Roxburghe and Hon. Jane Ker, who were first cousins. Among his younger brothers were William Ker, who served as Sheriff of Tweeddale, and John Ker, who later took the surname Bellenden and became 2nd Lord Bellenden of Broughton. His only sister, Lady Jean Ker, was married to Colin Lindsay, 3rd Earl of Balcarres, a prominent supporter of James II of England.
His paternal grandparents were John Drummond, 2nd Earl of Perth, and Lady Jean Ker. His father's eldest brother was James Drummond, 3rd Earl of Perth. His cousin, James Drummond, 4th Earl of Perth, was created the Duke of Perth in the Jacobite Peerage in 1701. His maternal grandparents were Hon. Harry Ker and Lady Margaret Hay. After his grandfather died, his grandmother remarried to John Kennedy, 6th Earl of Cassilis.

Peerage and career

Upon his fathers death in 1675, seventeen year-old Robert Ker inherited the titles and estates as the 3rd Earl of Roxburghe.
In 1680, he served as Privy Councillor. In 1681, he served as Sheriff Principal of Selkirk, also serving as Sheriff of Roxburgheshire and Baillie of the Regality of Melrose.

Personal life

On 10 October 1675, Roxburghe was married to Lady Margaret Hay, eldest daughter of John Hay, 1st Marquess of Tweeddale and Lady Jean Scott, the second daughter of Walter Scott, 1st Earl of Buccleuch. Together, they were the parents of:
Roxburghe died on 6 May 1682 and was succeeded in his titles by his eldest son, Robert. As Robert died unmarried four years later, the title passed to his second son, John, who was created Lord Ker of Cessford and Cavertoun, Viscount of Broxmouth, Earl of Kelso, Marquess of Bowmont and Cessford, and the 1st Duke of Roxburghe on 25 April 1707.

Family Tree