Alexander Seaton ca.1639-1719

Sir Alexander SEATON or SETON, 1st baronet, Lord Pitmedden, ca.1639-1719

Biographical Note

Younger son of Sir John Seton of Pitmedden, 3rd baronet (d.1639). Graduated from Marischal College, Aberdeen in 1654. Admitted as an advocate of the Scottish bar in 1661. Knighted by Charles II in 1664. Inherited the estate of Pitmedden after his brother died in 1667. Nominated an ordinary lord of the court session in 1677, and admitted a lord of justiciary in 1682. MP for Aberdeen in 1681, 1685 and 1686. Was the only judge in parliament to oppose James VII and II's attempts to repeal the test and penal laws, and was subsequently removed from office.

Books

Seaton's library of over three thousand volumes was sold by auction on 11 January 1720, and apparently included volumes in many languages, and covering subjects including theology, law, medicine and history.

Sources

• Alston, R. C. Inventory of sale catalogues ... 1676-1800, St Philip, 2010.
• Stronach, George, and Clare Jackson. "Seton, Sir Alexander, of Pitmedden, first baronet, Lord Pitmedden (1639?–1719), judge." Oxford Dictionary of National Biography.
• A catalogue of valuable books, in several languages and faculties... being the library which belong'd to Sir Alexander Seaton of Pitmedden Baronet, lately deceased, [Edinburgh, 1719], ESTC T163755.