The Service of the Earl of Eglinton

as

Heir-Male General, and Heir-Male of Provision

to

George, the Fourth Earl of Winton, Lord Seton, and Tranent

 

Hugh Montgomerie, 12th Earl of Eglinton

The origins of the Montgomeries begin with Roger of Montgomery, Earl of Shrewsbury (d. 1094), one of William the Conqueror’s followers, though this won't bear examination, the sure pedigree of the family begins later with Sir John Montgomerie, Lord of Eaglesham, who fought at the Battle of Otterbourne in 1388 and died about 1398. His grandson, Sir Alexander Montgomerie (d. circa 1460), was made a Lord of the Scottish parliament about 1445 as Lord Montgomerie, and Sir Alexander’s great-grandson Hugh, the 3rd Lord (c. 1460-1545), was created Earl of Eglinton, or Eglintoun, in 1508.  The 3rd Earl of Eglinton was a firm supporter of Mary queen of Scots, for whom he fought at Langside, and in 1612, by the death of Hugh, the 5th Earl, the male line of the Montgomeries became extinct.  Having no children Earl Hugh had settled his title and estates on his cousin, Sir Alexander Seton of Foulstruther (1588-1661), a younger son of Robert Seton, 1st Earl of Wintoun (c. 1550-1603), and his wife Margaret, daughter of the 3rd Earl of Eglinton.  Alexander, who thus became the 6th Earl of Eglinton and took the name of Montgomerie and was commonly called Greysteel.  He was a prominent Covenanter and fought against Charles I at Marston Moor.  Archibald William, the 13th Earl was born at Palermo in the 29th of September 1812.  He was a staunch Tory, and in February 1852 he became Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland.  In 1859 he was created Earl of Winton, an Earldom which had been held by his kinsfolk, the Setons.