| Notes |
- Other children were born to this couple, but the given names are not known. According to notes by David Carr, William became the 10th Baron of Ferniehurst, Scotland. However, he lived in London, England, and took his mother's maiden name to continue the Kirkcaldy line (Why? Possibly because she had no brothers, and with a view to receiving the family inheritance.) However, when William failed to inherit family property in Grange, Scotland, his children reverted to the Carr or Kerr surname.
This information, as well as data on the preceding generations, is presented without verification. It may well be fact, but proving it may be difficult since England and Scotland are far away; furthermore, locating old records is often difficult. However, there is a lot of historical information on the internet about this family. [http://www.electricscotland.com/]
William's parents are given as Thomas Kerr (Carr), 9th Baron of Ferniehurst, and Janet Kirkaldy (b. ca.1544 in Grange, Scotland).
Summary of online info:
Thomas became the 9th Baron of Ferniehurst Castle. He was also noted for his patriotic involvement with Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots (see notes from David Carr). The name of Carr, Kerr, or Karre is as old as the Norman Conquest at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. One of the followers of William the Conqueror, of Normandy, is recorded in the Roll of the Gattle Abbey as having the name Karre. The early descendants of this Norman soldier and succeeding generations spread on both sides of the border between England and Scotland. Direct lines can be traced through various peerage books of England and Scotland (titles and whereabouts? see web site) to Andrew Kerr I, the 6th Baron of Ferniehurst, Scotland. He was born in 1450, created Baron in 1480, and knighted in 1483. He and his son Andrew II, 7th Baron of F., were remarkable men for talent and undaunted courage, conspicuous in the reigns of James IV and James V. Andrew Kerr II died in 1543. His son, Sir John Kerr, 8th Baron of F., did great service for Scotland by rescuing Mary, Queen of Scots from English raiders. Sir Thomas, 9th Baron and son of Sir John, was also a loyal and devoted subject of the Queen.
See Watson's "The House of Carr," 1926.
William's youngest brother (or half-brother) was Robert "Robin" Carr, b. 1580 in Ferniehurst, Scotland. He is said to have been a favorite of King James VI of Scotland, who became King James I of England after the death of Elizabeth I. It was this king who authorized the King James translation of the Bible in 1611. Robin was: Groom of the Bed Chamber, 1607; Viscount Rochester, 1611; Knight of the Garter, 1613; Earl of Somerset; and Lord High Treasurer of Scotland, 1614. In 1609 he was granted the forfeited estate of Sir Walter Raleigh. As an influential member of the court, he was both feared and respected.
|
1542 - 