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; Inner Temple Admissions Database, http://www.innertemplearchives.org.uk/detail.asp?id=4092 |
Admitted to the Faculty of Advocates and began practising 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 practising there. Left Edinburgh after clashing with the Court of Session. Admitted to Inner Temple, 8 May 1753, and called to the bar, 25 November 1757, after which he moved to London permanently. 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).
