Thomas Fraser, 2nd Lord Lovat

Thomas Fraser, Lord Fraser of Lovat (C. 1460 – 1524)

Fraser of Lovat of Baronage tells us that Thomas Fraser, born in 1460, became 2nd Lord Fraser of Lovat and Jusdiciary of the North as a consequence of his heirless older brother’s death in 1500. The peerage title passed down from his father meant greater prestige, more land granted, and greater dignity for the Frasers of Lovat.

Thomas married his first wife Janet, daughter of Sir Alexander Gordon of Abergeldie, and secondly to Beatrice, daughter of William Hay, 1st Earl of Erroll, in 1493. Janet Gordon Fraser died in 1503. Thomas Fraser and Janet produced children: Hugh Fraser, the heir; James Fraser of Foyness (killed in the battle of Loch Lochy); Janet Fraser Chrichton and Ruthven; Isobel Fraser; William Fraser of Teachers; and Janet Fraser. Following the death of his second wife, Beatrice, Thomas married Janet Gray daughter of Andrew Gray in 1506, and with her had three additional children.

Through his long and productive life of 64 years, Lord Thomas Fraser faithfully and effectively served King James IV, and for that service received many honors and additional grants of land in the Scottish Highlands. About 1511, Thomas established his seat at Castle Fraser. (Since 1971, the castle has been owned by Historic Scotland and has been restored).

Thomas Fraser, Lord Lovat died at Beaufort Castle in 1526

Origins

according to James Balfour Paul, Hugh Fraser, 1st Lord Lovat married Violetta, daughter of Patrick Lyon, 1st Lord Glamis (d. 1459) and they had the following children:[1]

• Thomas Fraser, 2nd Lord Lovat (heir and successor).
• Margaret Fraser, married Hector de Kilmalew and had a son, Alexander.
• Egidia Fraser, who married Ferquhard Mackintosh, 12th of Mackintosh.
• The modern Clan Fraser of Lovat organization states that Hugh Fraser, 1st Lord Lovat also had a son called Hugh Fraser from who descend the cadet branches, the Frasers of Fairfield, Merkinch, Aberchalder, Foyers, Kinmonarie, and Dunchea.[3]