Lord Torphichen or Baron Torphichen[1] (pronounced tˈoː͡ɹfɪkən) is a title in the Peerage of Scotland. It was created by Queen Mary in 1564 for Sir James Sandilands (to whom she was related).[2][3][4]
The title stands as a rare exception to the typical rule that peerages cannot be transferred and must be inherited.[5] It is the only peerage title that might be alienated from the bloodline, enabling it to be transferred or passed on to heirs who are not direct descendants. However, its legal status remains unclear, as it has not yet been examined or adjudicated by the courts.
As of 2017[update], the title is held by the 15th Lord, who succeeded his father in 1975. He is Chief of Clan Sandilands and also holds the title of Baron of Calder, granted in 1386.[4]
The family seat is Calder House, near Mid Calder, West Lothian.
Sir James Sandilands had served as Preceptor to the Knights 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 entire Torphichen Preceptory in West 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 a Lord 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 the union 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 as Scottish representative peers in the House 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.
The heir presumptive is the present holder's first cousin twice removed Robert Powell Sandilands (b. 1950).
The heir presumptive's heir apparent is his only son Ashton Powell Sandilands (b. 1979).
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King James II | ||
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King James IV | ||
Queen Mary I | ||
King James VI | ||
King Charles I | ||
King Charles II | ||
King William II & Queen Mary II | ||