Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Douglas, William (d.1640)

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1246357Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900, Volume 15 — Douglas, William (d.1640)1888Alsager Richard Vian

DOUGLAS, Sir WILLIAM, first Earl of Queensberry (d. 1640), eldest son of Sir James Douglas of Drumlanrig, by his wife Mary, eldest daughter of John, lord Fleming, entered into possession of the family estates in 1615, on the death of his father. In 1617 he entertained James I at Drumlanrig, and was by him created viscount of Drumlanrig, lord Douglas of Hawick and Tibberis. Charters were granted him of the barony of Torthorwald 8 Jan. 1622, and of the town of Hawick 16 May 1623. When Charles I went to Scotland to be crowned in 1633, he advanced the viscount to the title of Earl of Queensberry. In 1638 he had a charter of the baronies of Sanquhar and Cumnock, in the counties of Dumfries and Ayr. He died 8 March 1640. By his wife Isabel, fourth daughter of Mark, earl of Lothian, he was the father of four sons, the eldest of whom succeeded to his honours, and of two daughters.

[Douglas and Wood's Peerage of Scotland, ii. 379; Crawford's Peerage.]

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