Lord Torphichen orBaron Torphichen[1] (pronounced/ˈtɔːrfɪkən/) is a title in thePeerage of Scotland. It was created byQueen Mary in 1564 forSir James Sandilands (to whom she was related).[2][3][4]
Some Scottish titles (another title that can choose the heir isLord Kinloss but there are others) are a rare exception to the typical rule that peerages cannot be transferred and must be inherited.[5] One of the few peerage titles that might be alienated from the bloodline, enabling it to be transferred or passed on to heirs who are not direct descendants.
As of 2017[update], the title is held by the 15th Lord, who succeeded his father in 1975. He is Chief ofClan Sandilands and also holds the title of Baron of Calder, granted in 1386.[4]
The family seat is Calder House, nearMid Calder,West Lothian.
Sir James Sandilands had served asPreceptor to theKnights Hospitaller in Scotland. On 24 January 1564, he received a charter from Queen Mary that erected his military benefice into a temporal lordship,[4] with remainder to his heirs and assigns whatsoever, after he resigned the entireTorphichen Preceptory inWest Lothian to the Crown.[6] This marks him as the inaugural Lord Torphichen.
The newly established lordship encompassed several baronies, including Torphichen, Liston, Balintrode, Tankerton, Denny, Marycoulter, Stenhope, Galtna, and others. These lands were situated across various shires, such as Edinburgh, Peebles, Linlithgow, Stirling, Lanark, and Kincardine, among others.[7] The lordship was officially designated as the Barony and Lordship of Torphichen, complete with the dignities and privileges associated with being aLord of Parliament.[4]
Following him, all subsequent lords were descendants of the second Lord Torphichen. Notably, the second Lord's great-grandson, who became the seventh Lord, was a fervent advocate for theunion with England. His lineage continued to play a significant role in Scottish politics, with his grandson, the ninth Lord, and great-great-grandson, the twelfth Lord, both serving asScottish representative peers in theHouse of Lords.[8]
The first Lord was succeeded by his great-nephew, James Sandilands, who held the title of Baron of Calder, making James Sandilands the second Lord. Following this succession, the Lordship of Parliament of Torphichen was officially conjoined with the Barony of Calder, and both titles were descended down the line.
Theheir presumptive is the present holder's first cousin twice removed Robert Powell Sandilands (b. 1950).
The heir presumptive'sheir apparent is his only son Ashton Powell Sandilands (b. 1979).
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