Wedderburn, Alexander
| Dates | 1757-1805 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | London | ||
| Vocation | Lawyer; politician | ||
| Place of Birth | Edinburgh | ||
| Marriage | Betty Anne; Charlotte Courtenay | ||
| Issue | William (died young) | ||
| Place of birth | Source | Oxford Dictionary of National Biography; History of Parliament Online |
Admitted to the Faculty of Advocates and began practicing in Edinburgh (1754). Had previously been admitted to the Inner Temple in London (1753), after which he made annual visits to London with a view to eventually practicing there. Left Edinburgh after clashing with the Court of Session, and moved to London permanently (1757). Struggled to establish himself as a lawyer, but eventually secured the patronage of Stuart, John through his friendship with Home, John (London), and moved into politics. MP for Ayr Burghs (1761-1768), and several English constituencies (1768-1780). Appointed Kings Counsel (1763). Served as solicitor-general (1771-1778), chancellor the queen (1771-1780), attorney general (1778-1780) , chief justice to the court of common pleas (1780-1793), commissioner of the great seal (1783) and Lord Chancellor (1793-1801). Created Baron Loughborough (1780) and Earl of Rosslyn (1801).
