ERSKINE, John 6th Lord Erskine, restored Earl of Mar (18th), Regent of Scotland ^{1 2 3}

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  General Notes:

JOHN, sixth Lord Erskine, before his accession to the estates held the ecclesiastical offices of Abbot of Dryburgh and Commendator of Inchmahome, with, it would appear, the Commendatorship of Cambuskenneth. He held the first two in 1548, and in the appointment of his nephew David to Inchmahome in 1556 he is referred to as a cleric, which suggests that be was destined for the Church, and probably took minor orders, but the death of his elder brothers called him to a secular life. After his succession he resigned his preferments, which were given to other members of his family. He succeeded between July and November 1555 to the title and estates, but for a time took no great part in public affairs." (pages 612 and 613)

"In May ....1565, Lord Erskine was served nearest and lawful heir to Robert, Earl of Mar and Garioch, Lord Erskine, his direct ancestor. This was a formal preparation for a coming honour, as Randolph, writing on 11 May to Cecil about the Queen's intended marriage with Darnley, says, 'It is spoken that some other shall be called to greater honour, as the . . . Lord Erskine Earl of Marre, which he claims by succession.' On 23 June 1565 Queen Mary granted to him the Earldom of Mar, comprehending Strathdon, Braemar, Cromar, and Strathdee, also the lands of the lordship of Garioch, to be held of the Queen in free earldom, fee, and heritage. This she did because Lord Erskine, as heir to Robert, Lord Erskine, had the undoubted hereditary right of the earldom, notwithstanding that his predecessors had been kept back from possession of the same, and because, in addition to his services to the Crown, she was moved by conscience to restore the heirs to their just inheritance. A precept of sasine was issued of same date, and infeftment was duly given in the lordship and regality of Garioch on 24 July 1565." (page 613)

from Scots Peerage (vol 5) ²

John married Annabella MURRAY, daughter of Sir William MURRAY of Tullibardine and Catherine CAMPBELL, About 29 January 1556(1557).^{1 2} (Annabella MURRAY was born about 1530 and died February 1602(1603) ^{1 2}.)

  Marriage Notes:

"Annabella, married, about 29 January 1556-57, to John, Lord Erskine, afterwards Earl of Mar, Regent (1571) of Scotland. She died February 1603, testament dative confirmed 5 August 1609."

from Scots Peerage (vol 1)




"He (John Erskine) married, about 29 January 1556-57, Annabella, daughter of William Murray of Tullibardine, who survived him until February 1602-3. By her he had issue ..."

frpm Scots Peerage (vol 5) ^{1 2}