Earldom of Leven held with Earldom of Melville | |
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Creation date | 1641 |
Creation | First |
Created by | Charles I |
Peerage | Peerage of Scotland |
First holder | Alexander Leslie |
Present holder | Alexander Ian Leslie-Melville |
Heir presumptive | Archibald Leslie-Melville |
Remainder to | the 1st Earl's heirs male of the body lawfully begotten |
Subsidiary titles | Viscount of Kirkaldie Lord Melville of Monymaill Lord Balgonie ( Lord Raith, Monymaill and Balwearie (1690) |
Status | Extant |
Seat(s) | Glenferness House |
Earl of Leven (pronounced "Lee-ven") is a title in the Peerage of Scotland. It was created in 1641 for Alexander Leslie. He was succeeded by his grandson Alexander, who was in turn followed by his daughters Margaret and Catherine (who are usually not included in the numbering of the Earls). Thereafter, there was a dispute relating to succession to the title between David Melville and John Leslie, 1st Duke of Rothes. However, in 1681, Melville's claim was admitted after the Duke of Rothes died. In 1707, Melville succeeded to the title Earl of Melville, and thereafter the earldoms have been united.
The other titles held by the Earl are: Viscount of Kirkaldie (created 1690), Lord Melville of Monymaill (1616), Lord Balgonie (1641), Lord Raith, Monymaill and Balwearie (1690). All are in the Peerage of Scotland. The heir apparent to the Earldoms is styled Lord Balgonie.
The family seat is Glenferness House, near Nairn, Highland.