Wigtownshire (Parliament of Scotland constituency)

Last updated
Wigtownshire
Former Constituency
for the Parliament of Scotland
Former constituency
Abolished1707

Wigtownshire was a constituency represented in the Parliament of Scotland until 1707.

Parliament of Scotland legislature of the Kingdom of Scotland

The Parliament of Scotland was the legislature of the Kingdom of Scotland. The parliament, like other such institutions, evolved during the Middle Ages from the king's council of bishops and earls. It is first identifiable as a parliament in 1235, during the reign of Alexander II, when it was described as a "colloquium" and already possessed a political and judicial role. By the early fourteenth century, the attendance of knights and freeholders had become important, and from 1326 commissioners from the burghs attended. Consisting of the "three estates" of clergy, nobility and the burghs sitting in a single chamber, the parliament gave consent for the raising of taxation and played an important role in the administration of justice, foreign policy, war, and all manner of other legislation. Parliamentary business was also carried out by "sister" institutions, such as General Councils or Convention of Estates. These could carry out much business also dealt with by parliament – taxation, legislation and policy-making – but lacked the ultimate authority of a full parliament.

Shire commissioners

Robert Maclellan, 1st Lord Kirkcudbright was Provost of Kirkcudbright in 1607 and was best known for his riotous behavior..

Sir Patrick Agnew, 1st Baronet was the son of Sir Andrew Agnew of Lochnaw and Agnes Stewart.

Sir Andrew Agnew, 2nd Baronet was the son of Sir Patrick Agnew, 1st Baronet and Margaret Kennedy.

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References

  1. 1 2 G. E. C., The Complete Baronetage, volume II (1902) p. 368.
  2. ↑ Complete Baronetage, vol. IV (1904) p. 311.
  3. ↑ Complete Baronetage, vol. III (1903) p. 346.
  4. ↑ Complete Baronetage, vol. III, p. 347.
  5. ↑ Parliamentary Papers, Volume 62, Part 2. p. 576,585.
  6. ↑ Complete Baronetage, vol. II, p. 369.
  7. ↑ Parliamentary Papers, Volume 62, Part 2. p. 588.
  8. 1 2 Parliamentary Papers, Volume 62, Part 2. p. 590,597.
  9. 1 2 Parliamentary Papers, Volume 62, Part 2. p. 602.
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