John Ker 1680-1741

John KER, 1st Duke of Roxburghe, 1680-1741

Ker's bookplate (British Museum Franks Collection *559)

Biographical Note

Second son of Robert Ker, 3rd Earl of Roxburghe (c.1658–1682), he succeeded to the earldom in 1696 on the death of his brother. A strong supporter of the union of Scotland and England, he was created Duke of Roxburghe in 1707. He was regularly elected one of the Scottish representative peers in the British Parliament. In 1715 he fought in the Hanoverian army at Sheriffmuir and later became secretary of state for Scotland.

Books

Used an engraved bookplate:

Franks 17056/*559 (Ker), The Right Honble. John, Earl of Roxburghe, Lord Ker Cesfoord and Cavertoun. 1703.

Examples: Cambridge University Library (F153.d.4.7).

The extent and disposition of his library is not known.

Sources

• Gambier Howe, E. R. J. Franks bequest: catalogue of British and American book plates bequeathed to the ... British Museum. London, 1903.
• Simpson, John M. "Ker, John, first duke of Roxburghe (c. 1680–1741), politician." Oxford Dictionary of National Biography.