Duke of Roxburghe

Dukedom of Roxburghe
Quarterly, 1st and 4th grandquarters: quarterly, 1st and 4th, Vert on a Chevron between three Unicorns' Heads erased Argent armed and maned Or as many Mullets Sable (Ker); 2nd and 3rd, Gules three Mascles Or (Weepont); 2nd and 3rd grandquarters: Argent three Stars of five points Azure (Innes).
Creation date1707
Created byAnne
PeeragePeerage of Scotland
First holderJohn Ker, 5th Earl of Roxburghe
Present holderCharles Innes-Ker, 11th Duke
Heir apparentFrederick Innes-Ker, Marquess of Bowmont and Cessford
Remainder tothe heirs inheriting the Earldom of Roxburghe (see that section for details)
Subsidiary titlesMarquess of Bowmont and Cessford
Earl of Roxburghe
Earl of Kelso
Earl Innes
Viscount Broxmouth
Lord Roxburghe
Lord Ker of Cessford and Cavertoun
SeatFloors Castle
John Ker, 1st Duke of Roxburghe
Robert Ker, 2nd Duke of Roxburghe
John Ker, 3rd Duke of Roxburghe
James Henry Robert Innes-Ker, 6th Duke of Roxburghe.
James Henry Robert Innes-Ker, 7th Duke of Roxburghe
Henry John Innes-Ker, 8th Duke of Roxburghe
Guy David Innes-Ker, 10th Duke of Roxburghe

The Duke of Roxburghe (/ˈrɒksbərə/) is a title in the peerage of Scotland created in 1707 along with the titles Marquess of Bowmont and Cessford, Earl of Kelso and Viscount Broxmouth. John Ker, 5th Earl of Roxburghe became the first holder of these titles. The title is derived from the royal burgh of Roxburgh in the Scottish Borders that in 1460 the Scots captured and destroyed.

Originally created Earl of Roxburghe in 1616, before the elevation to duke, a number of other subsidiary titles are held: Marquess of Bowmont and Cessford (created 1707), Earl of Kelso (1707), Earl Innes (1837), Viscount Broxmouth (1707), Lord Roxburghe (1600), and Lord Ker of Cessford and Cavertoun (1616). All of the titles form part of the peerage of Scotland, with the exception the Earldom of Innes, which belongs to the peerage of the United Kingdom. The Duke's eldest son bears the courtesy title of Marquess of Bowmont and Cessford.

The dukedom and its associated titles descend to heirs who shall inherit the earldom which in turn had a very specific line of descent. On the death of the 4th duke the titles became dormant as no one could prove their claim. In 1812 the House of Lords ruled in favour of Sir James Innes-Ker, 6th Baronet, of Innes (see Innes baronets), rejecting claims by the heir female of the second earl and heir male whatsoever of the first earl.

The Duke of Roxburghe would be the Chief of Clan Innes, but cannot be so recognised as he retains the name Innes-Ker.[1]

Estates and residences

The family has its seat at Floors Castle near Kelso, Scotland. The grounds contain the ruins of Roxburgh Castle on a promontory between the rivers Tweed and Teviot. The traditional burial place of the Dukes of Roxburghe is the Roxburghe Memorial Cloister (also known as "Roxburghe Aisle"), a 20th-century addition to the ruins of Kelso Abbey.

London residences

John Ker, 1st Duke of Roxburghe maintained Roxburghe House at No. 13 Hanover Square, Mayfair as his London residence.[2] The house underwent extensive remodeling at the behest of his grandson John Ker, 3rd Duke of Roxburghe,[2] who later sold Roxburghe House to Henry Lascelles, 2nd Earl of Harewood in 1795.[3]

By the late nineteenth century the Dukes of Roxburghe did not maintain a permanent residence in London, instead taking short leases of various houses in Mayfair for the London Social season each year. James Innes-Ker, 7th Duke of Roxburghe leased Archibald Kennedy, 3rd Marquess of Ailsa's house in Charles Street for two months during the London season in 1885,[4] and in 1887 the Roxburghe’s took a short lease of Thomas Taylour, 3rd Marquess of Headfort's house in Belgrave Square.[5]

During the 1889 season the Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe stayed with the Duchess’ mother Frances, Dowager Duchess of Marlborough at her house at No. 50 Grosvenor Square for the season,[6] and later leased No. 43 Cadogan Square in 1890.[7]

Following the death of the 7th Duke in 1892, his widow Anne, Duchess of Roxburghe continued to lease a series of London townhouses for each season, including No. 27 Portman Square in 1893,[8][9] No. 58 Grosvenor Street in 1894,[10] No. 1 Chesterfield Gardens in 1895,[11] No. 11 Hereford Gardens in 1897,[12] and No. 9 Portman Square in 1898.[13]

In February 1899 Anne, Duchess of Roxburghe leased No. 45 Portman Square for the London season from Consuelo Montagu, Duchess of Manchester,[14] where her mother Frances, Dowager Duchess of Marlborough died in April.[15]

In April 1900 the Duchess of Roxburghe reportedly purchased No. 32 Grosvenor Square,[16] which continued to be the family’s London home in 1901.[17] The Duchess later leased No. 38 Grosvenor Street in 1903,[18] which she continued to occupy until 1908.[19]

Anne became formally known as the Dowager Duchess of Roxburghe following the marriage of her son Henry John Innes-Ker, 8th Duke of Roxburghe to the American heiress Mary Goelet in November 1903. In 1907 the 8th Duke and Duchess leased a large London mansion, Stratford House at No. 11 Stratford Place from Edward Colebrooke, 1st Baron Colebrooke,[20][21] and later leased Chesterfield House, Mayfair as their London residence from The Dowager Lady Burton (whose husband Michael Bass, 1st Baron Burton had bequeathed her a life interest in the freehold of the property) in 1909. The Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe continued to lease Chesterfield House until 1919, although the bulding was loaned to the British Government during the First World War, and later to the Head of the American Special Mission to the United Kingdom, Colonel House from November 1917 until 1919.[22][23]

In August 1921 the 8th Duke and Duchess acquired a new London home at No. 2 Carlton House Terrace from the executors of Sir James Horlick, 1st Baronet.[24] which became their London residence throughout the 1920s and early 1930s.[25] Following the death of the Duke in 1932, his widow Mary, Dowager Duchess of Roxburghe continued to occupy the house until her own death in 1937.[26][27]

Her son George Innes-Ker, 9th Duke of Roxburghe married Lady Mary Crewe-Milnes in October 1935, and the couple initially maintained their London residence at No. 55 Great Cumberland Place,[28] until he inherited the lease of No. 2 Carlton House Terrace from his mother's estate; this remainded as the Roxburghe's London home until 1939.[29]

Earls of Roxburghe (1616)

In 1600, Robert Ker was created Lord Roxburghe, in 1616 he was additionally created Earl of Roxburghe, and Lord Ker of Cessford and Cavertoun. The succession was originally to heirs male of the 1st Earl, but after his sons predeceased him, the title was recreated in 1646 with additional remainder in favour of "(i) his grandson by his eldest daughter, Sir William Drummond, and his issue in tail male, (ii) of his great-grandsons in like manner, i.e. the second and other younger sons of Jane Drummond, the sister of Sir William Drummond, by her husband John [Fleming], 3rd Earl of Wigtown [...] which failing (iii) of the eldest daughter of Hon Harry Ker, styled Lord Ker, without division and to her heirs male, which failing (iv) to his own heirs male whomsoever".

  • Robert Ker, 1st Earl of Roxburghe (1570–1650) had been Lord Roxburghe since 1600, died without male issue
    • William Ker, Lord Ker (died 1618), elder son of the 1st Earl, predeceased his father without issue
    • Henry Ker, Lord Ker (died 1643), younger son of the 1st Earl, predeceased his father without male issue
  • William Ker, 2nd Earl of Roxburghe (1622–1675), a female-line grandson of the 1st Earl, succeeded him by the above special arrangement
  • Robert Ker, 3rd Earl of Roxburghe (c. 1658–1682), eldest son of the 2nd Earl
  • Robert Ker, 4th Earl of Roxburghe (c. 1677–1696), eldest son of the 3rd Earl
  • John Ker, 5th Earl of Roxburghe (c. 1680–1741), second son of the 3rd Earl, became Duke of Roxburghe in 1707

Dukes of Roxburghe (1707)

  • John Ker, 1st Duke of Roxburghe (c. 1680–1741), second son of the 3rd Earl, he was additionally invested as Marquess of Bowmont and Cessford as well as Earl of Kelso and Viscount Broxmouth in 1707; the earlier titles held as Earl were also retained
  • Robert Ker, 2nd Duke of Roxburghe (c. 1709–1755), only son of the 1st Duke, in 1722 he was created both Earl Ker and Baron Ker of Wakefield in the County of York
  • John Ker, 3rd Duke of Roxburghe (1740–1804), elder son of the 2nd Duke inheriting the 1722 titles, died without issue
  • William Bellenden-Ker, 4th Duke of Roxburghe (1728–1805), grandson of Lord Bellenden of Broughton (created 1661) who was the fourth and youngest son of the 2nd Earl, died without issue and the Roxburghe titles went dormant until 1812
  • James Innes-Ker, 5th Duke of Roxburghe (1736–1823), great-grandson of Hon. Margaret Ker (died 1681), daughter of Hon. Henry Ker, Lord Ker (died 1642/3), the younger son of the 1st Earl
  • James Innes-Ker, 6th Duke of Roxburghe (1816–1879), only son of the 5th Duke, he was created Earl Innes in the peerage of the United Kingdom in 1837
  • James Henry Robert Innes-Ker, 7th Duke of Roxburghe (1839–1892), elder son of the 6th Duke
  • Henry John Innes-Ker, 8th Duke of Roxburghe (1876–1932), eldest son of the 7th Duke
  • George Victor Robert John Innes-Ker, 9th Duke of Roxburghe (1913–1974), only son of the 8th Duke
  • Guy David Innes-Ker, 10th Duke of Roxburghe (1954–2019), elder son of the 9th Duke
  • Charles Robert George Innes-Ker, 11th Duke of Roxburghe (born 1981), eldest son of the 10th Duke

The current holder's son, Frederick Innes-Ker, Marquess of Bowmont and Cessford (born 2024) is heir apparent to his father's titles.

Line of succession

  • George Innes-Ker, 9th Duke of Roxburghe (1913-1974)

[31]

Family tree

See also

References

  1. ^ "The Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs Requirements for Recognition". Archived from the original on 26 February 2012. Retrieved 3 September 2009.
  2. ^ a b "Roxburghe House, Hanover Square, London, designs for a house and interiors for John Ker, 3rd Duke of Roxburghe, c1775–79 (55)". Sir John Soane's Museum Collection Online. Sir John Soane's Museum. Retrieved 17 April 2026.
  3. ^ Plumpton, Gemma Louise (October 2023). Collecting Continental Old Masters for Harewood House, Yorkshire: British cultural heritage and aristocratic survival, 1916–1947 (PDF). School of Fine Art, History of Art, and Cultural Studies (PhD thesis) (in en=). University of Leeds. p. 253. Retrieved 2 August 2025.{{cite thesis}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  4. ^ The Hampshire Advertiser. (23 May 1885). Page 3. Society Gossip. Newspapers.com. Retrieved 17 April 2026, from https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-hampshire-advertiser-society-gossip/195713773/
  5. ^ The Standard. (23 February 1887). Page 5. Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe - Belgrave Square. Newspapers.com. Retrieved 17 April 2026, from https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-duke-and-duchess-of-roxburg/195713861/
  6. ^ East Lothian Courier. (28 June 1889). Page 3. Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe - Grosvenor Square . Newspapers.com. Retrieved 17 April 2026, from https://www.newspapers.com/article/east-lothian-courier-duke-and-duchess-of/195713961/
  7. ^ The Daily Telegraph. (2 June 1890). Page 7. Duke and Duchess of Roxburge - 43 Cadogan Square. Newspapers.com. Retrieved 17 April 2026, from https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-telegraph-duke-and-duchess-of/195717561/
  8. ^ The Yorkshire Herald and the York Herald. (19 April 1893). Page 4. Dowager Duchess of Roxburghe - Portman Square . Newspapers.com. Retrieved 17 April 2026, from https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-yorkshire-herald-and-the-york-herald/195714588/
  9. ^ The Courier and Argus. (5 June 1893). Page 1. Public Notices. Scottish Wedding Present. . Newspapers.com. Retrieved 17 April 2026, from https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-and-argus-public-notices-sc/195714903/
  10. ^ The Pall Mall Gazette. (2 May 1894). Page 8. Duchess of Roxburgh - 58 Grosvenor Street. Newspapers.com. Retrieved 17 April 2026, from https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-pall-mall-gazette-duchess-of-roxburg/195715001/
  11. ^ The Morning Post. (27 April 1895). Page 5. Duchess of Roxburghe - 1 Chesterfield Gardens, Mayfair. Newspapers.com. Retrieved 17 April 2026, from https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-morning-post-duchess-of-roxburghe/195715299/
  12. ^ The Morning Post. (11 March 1897). Page 5. The Duchess of Roxburghe - 11 Hereford Gardens. Newspapers.com. Retrieved 17 April 2026, from https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-morning-post-the-duchess-of-roxburgh/195715386/
  13. ^ The Morning Post. (11 March 1898). Page 5. Duchess of Roxburghe - 9 Portman Square. Newspapers.com. Retrieved 17 April 2026, from https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-morning-post-duchess-of-roxburghe/195715424/
  14. ^ The Times. (23 February 1899). Page 45. Duchess of Roxburghe takes 45 Portman Square for the season . Newspapers.com. Retrieved 17 April 2026, from https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-duchess-of-roxburghe-takes-45/195715500/
  15. ^ Belfast News-Letter. (18 April 1899). Page 7. Death of the Dowager Duchess of Marlborough. Newspapers.com. Retrieved 17 April 2026, from https://www.newspapers.com/article/belfast-news-letter-death-of-the-dowager/195714150/
  16. ^ The Morning Post. (2 May 1900). Page 7. Duchess of Roxburghe purchased 32 Grosvenor Square. Newspapers.com. Retrieved 17 April 2026, from https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-morning-post-duchess-of-roxburghe-pu/195715721/
  17. ^ The Daily Graphic. (19 August 1901). Page 9. Wedding of Lady Victoria Innes-Ker. Newspapers.com. Retrieved 17 April 2026, from https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-graphic-wedding-of-lady-victor/195716221/
  18. ^ The Daily Telegraph. (23 April 1903). Page 10. Duchess of Roxburghe - 38 Grosvenor Street. Newspapers.com. Retrieved 17 April 2026, from https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-telegraph-duchess-of-roxburghe/195715959/
  19. ^ East Lothian Courier. (31 July 1908). Page 3. Dowager Duchess of Roxburghe departs 38 Grosvenor Street. Newspapers.com. Retrieved 17 April 2026, from https://www.newspapers.com/article/east-lothian-courier-dowager-duchess-of/195716092/
  20. ^ East Lothian Courier. (28 June 1889). Page 9. Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe - Grosvenor Square . Newspapers.com. Retrieved 17 April 2026, from https://www.newspapers.com/article/east-lothian-courier-duke-and-duchess-of/195713961/
  21. ^ "Stratford House in Stratford Place". London Picture Archive. City of London Corporation. 1941. Retrieved 17 April 2026.
  22. ^ New York Herald. (22 June 1919). Page 67. Duchess of Roxburghe Sells Mansion of Romantic Fame. Newspapers.com. Retrieved 17 April 2026, from https://www.newspapers.com/article/new-york-herald-duchess-of-roxburghe-sel/178001051/
  23. ^ United States Army; Center of Military History; Eric B. Setzekorn (18 January 2024). Neumann, Brian F. (ed.). The U.S. Army in World War I: A Multifaceted View of the American Military Experience in World War I. Good Press. p. 394. Retrieved 2 August 2025 – via Google Books.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  24. ^ Liverpool Daily Post. (26 August 1921). Page 4. A Duke's New Town House.. Newspapers.com. Retrieved 17 April 2026, from https://www.newspapers.com/article/liverpool-daily-post-a-dukes-new-town-h/195716590/
  25. ^ Greenock Telegraph. (30 September 1932). Page 1. Death of the Duke of Roxburghe. Newspapers.com. Retrieved 17 April 2026, from https://www.newspapers.com/article/greenock-telegraph-death-of-the-duke-of/195716665/
  26. ^ The Daily Telegraph. (12 May 1936). Court Circular - May 11 1936. Page 19. Newspapers.com. Retrieved 17 April 2026, from https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-telegraph-court-circular-may/195716737/
  27. ^ East Lothian Courier. (26 November 1937). Page 3. Dowager Duchess of Roxburghe's Estate.. Newspapers.com. Retrieved 17 April 2026, from https://www.newspapers.com/article/east-lothian-courier-dowager-duchess-of/195716918/
  28. ^ The Daily Telegraph. (12 May 1936). Court Circular - May 11 1936. Page 19. Newspapers.com. Retrieved 17 April 2026, from https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-telegraph-court-circular-may/195716737/
  29. ^ The Daily Telegraph. (15 June 1939). Page 17. Court Circular - June 14 1939. Newspapers.com. Retrieved 17 April 2026, from https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-telegraph-court-circular-jun/195716972/
  30. ^ report of Telegraph announcement(March 5th) of birth Feb 28th
  31. ^ Morris, Susan; Bosberry-Scott, Wendy; Belfield, Gervase, eds. (2019). "Roxburghe, Duke of". Debrett's Peerage and Baronetage. Vol. 1 (150th ed.). London: Debrett's Ltd. pp. 3017–3020. ISBN 978-1-999767-0-5-1.
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