William Ker 1661-1722

William KER or KERR, 2nd Marquess of Lothian, 1661-1722

Ker's bookplate (British Museum Franks Collection *558)

Biographical Note

Eldest son of Robert Ker, 1st Marquess of Lothian (1636–1703), he sat in the Scottish Parliament as Lord Jedburgh from 1692 up to the Act of Union which he strongly supported. He served as one of the Representative Scottish Peers in the British Parliament from 1715. He had a military career, as occupation:colonel of the 7th Dragoons (1696), command of the 3rd Foot Guards (1707) and lieutenant general in the Army (1708). was He was appointed Major-General on the Staff in Scotland (1715).

His younger brothers are also recorded as users of bookplates: Lord Charles Ker and Lord John Ker.

Books

Used an engraved bookplate:

Franks 17069/*558 (Kerr), The Most Honble. William, Marquiss of Lothian. (Succeeded 1703 as 2nd Marquess; K.T. 1705; died 1722.)

Examples: National Library of Scotland (Newb.4968); University of Virginia (A1613.J68); Blickling Hall.

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.
• The Scots Peerage, vol. 5, Edinburgh, 1908, p. 478–480.