Jacobus Douglas (illegitimate earl)

[EllieEliza]

I found out through ancestry that my 15th great grandad father is potentially Jacobus Douglas (born 1500) looking into him further I found out he was that he was the illegitimate son of Sir William Douglas 6th Laird of Drumlanrig. When I looked into Jacobus more I found out that he moved down to Yorshire which matches my tree on ancestry that states he was born in Drumlanrig and Died in Halifax. His sons name shows as William Douglas (born 1520) and then his son shows as Jacobi Dowglasse (born 1545). I am finding it all really interesting, but I want to make sure what my tree says is correct so I just wanted to put this information out there and see if anyone can help me confirm it. The first part of my family tree on ancestry is all correct and has marriage certificates to confirm so hoping it’s all legit, but going back that far you can never be sure. Any information would be much appreciated.

[EllieEliza]

Of course, why would I think Earl! Not sure why I posted that, as his father wasn’t even an Earl. Thanks for the information on the title and the fact his name is actually James. Any further information you could provide would be much appreciated. I’m really interested in this part of my family tree and will definitely be looking at it further. 

[William Douglas]

I do not have access to my files at the moment and so am unable to help meantime.

However, you should note that Jacobobus is Latin for James, and so you should be searching for James.  However, on official documents recording land transfers, marriage contracts, etc written in Latin, then he would have his Latin name.

Please note it is unlikely that an illegitimate son of a laird would be an Earl.  Hereditary titles do not work that way.  He would have had to be created an Earl by the king.  Earldoms are connected to land, so he would have to be the Earl of somewhere.

I am keen to learn more about the Northumberland Douglases so please keep on the case