Alexander Seton, 1st Earl of Dunfermline
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Alexander Seton, 1st Earl of Dunfermline (1555 – 1622) was a Scottish lawyer, judge and politician. He was Lord President of the Court of Session from 1598 to 1604 and Lord Chancellor of Scotland from 1604 to 1622.
Born in Seton East Lothian, Alexander Seton became a Privy Councillor in 1585 and was appointed a Lord of Session as Lord Urquhart in 1586. The Setons were Roman Catholics who had been supporters of Mary, Queen of Scots. He rose to be Lord President of the Court of Session and was created Lord Fyvie on 4 March 1598. He was regarded as the finest legal mind of the time, becoming an advisor to James VI and guardian and tutor to Charles I. In 1604 he was appointed Lord Chancellor of Scotland and was created Earl of Dunfermline in 1605. He died at Pinkie and was buried in the family vault in Dalgety Church, near Dunfermline.
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by William Baillie of Provand |
Lord President of the Court of Session 1593–1604 |
Succeeded by James Elphinstone, Lord Balmerino |
| Legal Offices | ||
| Preceded by James Graham, 3rd Earl of Montrose |
Lord Chancellor of Scotland 1604–1622 |
Succeeded by George Hay, 1st Earl of Kinnoull |
| Peerage of Scotland | ||
| Preceded by New Creation |
Earl of Dunfermline 1605–1622 |
Succeeded by Charles Seton |
