Alexander Fraser, 11th Lord Saltoun

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Alexander Fraser (1604-1693), 11th Lord Saltoun and 10th Laird of Philorth.

[edit] Early years

Fraser was born in 1604 in the young town of Fraserburgh. His father was Alexander Fraser (1570-1636) and his mother Margaret Abernethy. Upon the death of his father in 1636, he inherited the lands of Philorth as 10th Laird.

[edit] Battle of Worcester

During the 'Wars of the Three Kingdoms' like most Buchan Lairds, Fraser supported the Royalist Armies first against the Scottish Prebyterian Forces, and then against Oliver Cromwell. After King Charles I was executed, Alexander Fraser took to battle with the aim of restoring the King's son to the throne. Unfortunately, his cause struck a fatal blow at the Battle of Worcester in 1651. Alexander Fraser was badly wounded at the Battle and would most likely have been slain or died of his wounds were it not for his manservant, James Cardno.
It is written that the Laird's loyal servant saved him from the battlefield on horseback and nursed him back to health. He then returned the Laird to the safety of the Castle of Kinnairds Head on the outskirts of Fraserburgh.

[edit] Family, Succession, Death

Fraser married multiple times in his life. His first wife was Isobel Forbes of Tolquhorn who bore him one daughter. She died within a year of the child's birth. His second wife was Elizabeth Seaton of Meldrum who eventually produced his heir, also Alaxander, who predeceased him in 1682 with issue.
In 1669 Alexander Fraser inherited the title Lord Saltoun of Abernethy through the line of his mother. This gave the Fraser family great influence in Scotland. At the time of succession, it was thought that he succeeded his cousin the 9th Lord Saltoun. He did in fact, succeed the sister of the 9th Lord Saltoun who outlived her brother only by six weeks. By Scots law, this makes Alexander's cousin, Margaret Abernrethy, the 10th Lord Saltoun and he the 11th. It must be noted that in old literature, Alexander Fraser is still referred to as the 10th Lord Saltoun which has caused much confusion over the years.
Alexander Fraser, the 11th Lord Saltoun, died on the 11th of August 1693 in his 89th year. He was succeeded by his grandson, William Fraser, who became the 12th Lord Saltoun.