William Lockhart of Lee

Sir William Lockhart of Lee (1621–1675), after fighting on the side of Charles I in the English Civil War, attached himself to Oliver Cromwell, whose niece he married, and who later appointed Lockhart commissioner for the administration of justice in Scotland in 1652. He was also the English ambassador at the French court in 1656, where he greatly distinguished himself by his successful diplomacy. He also served at the Battle of the Dunes.

He was the eldest son of Sir James Lockhart of Lee (d. 1674), by his second wife, Martha, daughter of Sir George Douglas of Mordington, Berwickshire, and maid of honour to Queen Henrietta Maria. Sir George Lockhart (Lord Advocate) (c. 1630-1689) who was lord-advocate in Cromwell's time, was the second son of Sir James. See Lockharts of Lee for more details about his family.

Dissatisfied with the school at Lanark he left home, journeyed to Leith, and sailed for Holland. Though only 13 years of age he was permitted, being tall and strong, to enter the service of the States. He made his way to Danzig, where his relative Sir George Douglas took him under his protection. Sir George died at Demmin in Pomerania in 1636, and Lockhart accompanied the body to England. Finding himself still uncomfortable at home, he again crossed to the continent, where money sent by his mother enabled him to support himself and improve his education.

Lockhart entered the French army as a volunteer, and attracted the attention of the queen-mother. He rose to be a captain of horse.

During the First English Civil War Lockhart, asked by William Hamilton, Earl of Lanark, returned to Scotland, and became lieutenant-colonel of Lanark's regiment. On the surrender of Charles I to the Scottish army before Newark in May 1646, he was introduced to the king, who knighted him. Charles sent him, after the defeat of the Marquis of Montrose at the battle of Philiphaugh in September, to the Duke of Hamilton to obtain his influence in getting good terms for Montrose; but the latter had meanwhile escaped. Lockhart served in the army of the "engagement" in the following year, and, as colonel of Lanark's regiment, was sent forward in advance to protect the western borders and Carlisle.

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