Grampian Club > Monuments and monumental inscriptions in Scotland > Volume 1

393
PAEISH OF LOUDOUN.
A vault in the parish church constitutes the burial-place of the
noble family of Loudoun. Here were deposited the remains of
Sir John Campbell, Earl of Loudoun. Descended from the noble
family of Argyle, John Campbell was eldest son of Sir James
Campbell of Lawers. He married in 1620 Margaret Campbell,
Baroness of Loudoun, and consequently obtained the style and
dignity of Baron Loudoun. In 1633 he was created Earl of
Loudoun, but owing to his opposition to Court measures his patent
was suspended for eight years. He resisted the unconstitutional
attempt of Charles I. in 1637 to force Episcopacy on the nation;
he was a member of the General Assembly of 1638 ; and in 1639
he garrisoned, for the Covenanters, tlie Castles of Strathaven,
Douglas, and Tantallan. He was one of the Scottish Commis-
sioners, who settled the pacification of Berwick. In 1640, having
proceeded to London as Commissioner from the Committee of
Estates, he was arrested on a charge of high treason and committed
to the Tower ; he soon regained his liberty and was permitted to
kiss the king's hand. In August, 1640, he held command in the
Scottish army at the battle of Newburn ; he presided at the open-
ing of the Estates in July following. During the royal visit in
1641 he was appointed Lord High Chancellor and first Commis-
sioner of the Treasury. With two others he was sent to treat with
the king at Carisbrooke Castle in 1647 ; he at first concurred in
the "Engagement," but afterwards withdrew from it. On the
defeat of Charles II. at Worcester in 1651, he joined the Earl of
Glencairn on the king's behalf, but soon after retired into private
life. By Cromwell he was excepted from the Act of Grace in 1654 ;
at the Eestoration he was deprived of his chancellorship and fined
£12,000 Scots. He died at Edinburgh on the 13th March, 1663.
In the Loudoun vault rest the remains of Lady Flora Hastings.
This excellent and accomplished gentlewoman was eldest daughter
of Earl Moira, afterwards Marquis of Hastings. Her mother, the