Viscounts Kingston (1651)
1st Viscount Kingston, Alexander Seton, b.1620, a.1651,
d.1691
The second son of George Seton, 3rd Earl of Winton, Alexander Seton impressed Charles I, who was visiting
Seton Palace, by a Latin oration, and Charles knighted him on the spot. He
travelled extensively in his youth before returning to Scotland in 1640. A
staunch Royalist, he refused to sign the Covenant and was ex-communicated in
1643. He fled the country until it was safe to return, and served Charles II
during the Civil Wars. He was created 1st Viscount of Kingston while
defending Tantallon Castle from the forces of Oliver Cromwell. After 12 days of
siege, the defenders surrendered after their lives were guaranteed. After the
Restoration he continued to fight against the Covenanters and was successful as
the Battles of Pentland in 1666 and Bothwell Brig in 1679. He had four wives.
2nd Viscount Kingston, Archibald Seton, b.1661, a.1691,
d.1714
Son of the 1st Viscount and his second wife Elizabeth Douglas
(b.c.1636, d.1668), daughter of Sir Archibald Douglas of Whittinghame.
3rd Viscount Kingston, James Seton, b.1667,
a.1714, d.c.1726
Younger brother of the 2nd Viscount. He was attainted for
being a Jacobite. Although he married Anne Lindsay (b.c.1674, d.1743), daughter
of Colin Lindsay, 3rd Earl of Balcarres,
he died without children and the title would have become extinct anyway.
(Last updated: 31/08/2011)