Sir Robert Spottiswoode

Sir Robert Spottiswoode, 2d son of the archbishop, born 1596, was a man of extraordinary parts, learning and merit. The history of his life is subjoined to his Practicks of the Law of Scotland :

As Sir Robert's great wisdom and knowledge in our laws soon became very conspicuous, King James VI, appointed him one of the extraordinary lords of sessions and one of the privy council. He was afterward by king Charles I, appointed lord president of the College of Justice and secretary for Scot- land, which appears by another charter, dated 1636.

King Charles I having, a little before this time, erected the bishopric of Edinburgh, prevailed with Sir Robert to part with his lands of New Abbey, in 1634, which he gave as part of a patrimony to his new bishopric, and though Sir Robert, to oblige his majesty, readily agreed to it, yet certain it is, the price was not paid ; but the estate of the bishops being soon thereafter abrogated, the king, in 1641, by a signature under his royal hand, reponed Sir Robert to his former rights and gave back his „ title deeds, etc., but he being obnoxious to the prevailing faction, was obliged to leave the kingdom, so that his signatures never passed the seals, and his estate continued in the possession of the crown.

Sir Robert in 1629 married Bethia, eldest daughter of Sir Alexander Morrison, of Preston Grange, one of the senators of the College of Justice by whom he had three sons, who survived him : —

1. John who died immediately before the restoration of King Charles II.
2. Sir Alexander, who carried on the line of the family.
3. Robert, who being bred to physic, was by King Charles II appointed physician to the governor and garrison of Tangier. He went to that place with the earl of Middleton and died there 1688, leaving issue by his wife, Catharine, widow Elliott, only one son, Alexander, born at Tangier, anno 1676, who made a great figure in Iiis time

   ---

   
   

Wikipedia